If rumors are true, Samsung will release its mixed-reality (XR) stand-alone headset in about two months as a developer device, with plans to launch the consumer-ready version early next year. Regardless of when it goes on sale, we think the Galaxy XR (unconfirmed name) needs to leverage at least three crucial elements to stand a chance and win the market.
We strongly agree that the hardware, good displays and visual clarity, decent app support, and a well-thought-out design will all contribute to the Galaxy XR's success or failure. But let's assume Samsung, in partnership with Qualcomm and Google, has that in the bag. What then? What's next?
Beyond those building blocks, we believe Samsung will need to nail at least these three crucial elements to make Galaxy XR something special and help it stand out. Those elements are Galaxy AI, Continuity, and Health.
Galaxy AI for Galaxy XR
Starting with Galaxy AI, we think Samsung has to lean into its newfound Generative AI-based tools to make its XR headset a success.
By using Galaxy AI the right way, Samsung could bring down many walls that stand between XR users and a seamless mixed reality experience. Generative AI has the potential to make augmented and virtual realities more immersive and intuitive.
Better virtual assistants could play a big role in improving or even completely revamping the way we interact with virtual headsets, from typing on virtual keyboards and communicating with other XR users to browsing the web and creating or editing content.
We've already seen the potential of Galaxy AI on our phones, and we're guessing Galaxy AI would work similarly in a mixed reality environment. The main difference is that it might have a bigger impact on improving the XR side of things, where there's a fine line between an immersive and seamless experience and one that is jarring.
Samsung Continuity and Galaxy XR
The second big element we hope Samsung will lean into with its XR headset is Continuity. Once again, this element already exists on Galaxy phones and tablets today.
You might be unaware of Continuity if you're only using a Samsung phone. But in short, this feature allows you to switch seamlessly between Samsung devices when using select apps.
For instance, you can browse the web using Samsung Internet on your phone, switch to your Galaxy tablet, and continue where you left off without interruptions or downtime. The same goes for apps like Samsung Notes.
Samsung's mixed reality headset needs powerful Continuity features to really feel like it's a worthwhile addition to the growing Galaxy device ecosystem rather than an afterthought or even a burden.
One of the Apple Vision Pro's downsides is that visionOS can't communicate freely with enough iOS apps, thus creating an unnecessary gap between the iPhone/iPad and Vision Pro experiences. Samsung should learn from this and make sure that Continuity sits at the forefront of its XR platform and Galaxy mobile devices.
Samsung Health and Galaxy XR
The third and final element we think Samsung needs to nail for its upcoming XR headset is integration with the Health platform and other Galaxy wearable devices.
One of the more interesting use cases for XR headsets is fitness. There's almost limitless potential, and interactive virtual environments designed for fitness activities can keep many users invested in physical exercises more than a regular gym.
Of course, comfort and a lightweight design play a big role in how well-received a headset might be by those who want to engage in physical activities. But beyond that, it's all about the software experience. Samsung really needs to offer the best Health integration possible.
More details after the video
We can only imagine how great the Samsung Health experience could be on the Galaxy XR if the headset and Galaxy wearable devices could link up seamlessly. Headset users could see information in real-time, popping out from their wrists or Galaxy Ring in the augmented reality field surrounding them.
Users could get heart rate and other fitness data on virtual floating panels as they train. And auto-detection or even guidance for exercises could be unparalleled and even better with the XR headset than without it.
Nobody but Samsung, Qualcomm, and Google really knows what this upcoming XR headset is capable of. We can only hope Samsung took all these factors into account and even learned from some of Apple's mistakes with the Vision Pro. At the very least, Samsung needs a lightweight and comfortable design, seamless app continuity, clever Galaxy AI, and engaging Samsung Health to make the XR interesting.
