Samsung is making a bold return to the extended reality (XR) and mixed reality (MR) arena nearly a decade after the launch of its popular Gear VR headset. The tech giant has plans to release a new XR device in 2025, according to details from its recent Q3 financial report. The device aims to strengthen Samsung’s ecosystem by offering enhanced connectivity and represents the company’s renewed commitment to XR technology.
Samsung’s reentry comes amid a broader industry shift towards immersive experiences. The Google Play Store has introduced a dedicated category for XR apps, signalling a push for wider adoption of XR technologies, as reported by Gizmochina. This trend shows that major tech companies are investing heavily in these emerging technologies.
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Samsung-Qualcomm Tieup
To bring the new device to market, Samsung is partnering with Google and Qualcomm, a collaboration first revealed during the Galaxy S24 series announcement. The upcoming XR device is expected to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, and a recent Geekbench listing suggests it will be powered by 16GB of RAM and a six-core system on chip (SoC).
Designed for virtual reality applications, the device is anticipated to use Android 14 and may include sophisticated sensors for environmental awareness and health tracking. It’s also expected to feature a high-resolution micro-OLED display, providing superior pixel density and brightness.
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Rivalling Apple, Meta
The new XR headset will face stiff competition from Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest series. Industry speculation suggests Samsung may unveil the device at the Galaxy Unpacked event in early 2025, aligning with the Galaxy S25 launch. This timing would allow Samsung to present the XR device as part of an integrated Galaxy ecosystem, offering existing Galaxy users a seamless extension into mixed reality.
Samsung is also reportedly exploring the development of augmented reality (AR) glasses as a lighter, smartphone-compatible option. These AR glasses would cater to Galaxy users by integrating mixed reality elements into everyday activities, positioning Samsung at the forefront of wearable XR technology trends.
