In order to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, Samsung is reportedly targeting a mid-2024 release for the XR headset.
Specifications and Design
Four outward-facing tracking cameras are included on the Samsung XR headset prototype, which are probably utilized for positional tracking. It also has two RGB cameras for color pass-through and a depth sensor for monitoring hands and the environment. OLED microdisplays and pancake lenses are used in the design, giving it a sleek visor appearance.
In an interesting departure from the widely utilized Qualcomm XR chipset, Samsung’s Exynos 2200 chip powers the headgear. Exynos 2200 has already drawn flak for its tendency to overheat in smartphones. How well this chip will work with prolonged XR workloads is still unknown.
The Samsung prototype lacks specialized motion controls, in contrast to some of its rivals. Instead, it appears to rely on inputs from hand and eye tracking.
Launch, pricing, and competition projections
As they continue to improve the XR headset to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, Samsung is reportedly aiming for a mid-2024 release. The leaked details provide an insight into Samsung’s goals for the XR headset, even though the final specifications may alter.
A future consumer version would cost between $150 to $2,000, according to estimates. This is far less expensive than Apple’s $3500 Vision Pro headset.
History of Samsung in AR/VR
Samsung has previously entered the AR/VR market. They debuted the Gear VR headset in 2015, which needed an additional device to serve as an internal display.
A compatible Samsung Galaxy device serves as both the Gear VR’s display and processor. The field of view and a customized inertial measurement unit (IMU) for rotational tracking are provided by the Gear VR device, which also serves as the controller. The Galaxy S6 series, Galaxy S7 series, Galaxy S8 series, and other top-tier Samsung smartphones are all compatible with the Gear VR. The Gear VR does not, however, support more recent devices like the Galaxy Note10 and its variations.
Much earlier than the launching of the Gear VR, Samsung began its VR journey. A head-mounted display (HMD) patent from Samsung in January 2005 suggested using a mobile phone as the display. With the launch of the Galaxy S4 in 2013, Samsung established a formal team with the goal of creating a VR gadget that works with a smartphone. Samsung and Oculus cooperated in 2014 to advance the Gear VR’s development.