Samsung revealed earlier this year that it is collaborating with Google and Qualcomm to bring an XR (Mixed Reality) device. It is expected to compete with Apple's Vision Pro headset, which was unveiled a few months ago. While Samsung didn't reveal a launch time frame for its XR headset, it is reported that the company might unveil it alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Samsung's XR headset could be unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event in second half of 2024
A report from South Korean publication JoongAng claims that Samsung is planning to announce its XR headset in the second half of 2024, lining up with the announcement of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. A few months after its announcement, Samsung could launch it in December 2024. Apparently, Samsung's first XR headset is codenamed ‘Infinite,' and its initial production is limited to 30,000 units. If you can remember, when Samsung launched its first-generation Galaxy Fold phone, its initial production was limited to 30,000 as well. Competition is heating up in the mixed-reality segment with the launch of the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3.
Samsung has joined hands with Google for the XR headset's operating system and Qualcomm for its chipset. An industry insider claimed that Samsung Display and Samsung Electronics have signed a display technology agreement for the XR headset. On October 31, Samsung Electronics announced that it would provide Samsung Display with patents related to OLEDoS (OLED on Silicon), the main technology in an XR headset. The company also revealed during its earnings call for Q3 2023 that it will continue to strengthen its research and development in XR, digital health, and digital payments segments.
XR headset's success will depend on the quality and availability of content
The XR headset market is expected to grow to $151 billion by 2026, and all major companies want a share of that lucrative pie. While Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced mixed-reality headset on the market, it hasn't launched yet, and it is priced at an eye-watering $3,500. The Meta Quest 3 is priced at $499. Several rumors and reports claim that Samsung's XR headset could be priced more than the Meta Quest 3 and less than the Apple Vision Pro. However, the XR headset's success could depend on the quality, visuals, interface, and availability of content (apps/games/media).
Professor Kim Sang-gyun of Kyung Hee University said, “In the smartphone era, what determined the success or failure of the Galaxy and iPhone were the platform and content distribution. Content is what determines the customer experience for XR devices as well. Increasing software and media competitiveness will be key” to success in the XR segment.
