Samsung has finally pulled back the curtain on the Galaxy XR, its first mixed-reality headset and the very first device built on Android XR – Google’s dedicated spatial computing platform.
One thing is clear: Samsung’s entrance to the XR market is a direct shot across the bow at Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest line. Galaxy XR’s new device, however, is positioned as a more accessible, open, and AI-smart gateway into the mixed reality era, coming at a much cheaper price than the Apple Vision Pro as we predicted.
From Whisper to Reality
The journey from rumour to release of the Samsung headset (previously codenamed Project Moohan) was not a steady one. From a positively-received showcase at MWC 2025 followed by a lengthy duration of silence, there were doubts of the headset reaching the market so soon. However at Samsung’s Unpacked event, the headset was confirmed – but still unnamed.
Anticipation skyrocketed after various leaks and rumours of key features such as 3D capture capability, as well as a hinted release date of 21 days earlier.
Facts, Figures & Features
At US$1,799, Galaxy XR is a much more affordable price relative to the market. This is especially viable given the features involved. Like the Vision Pro, Samsung have specialised in an open, AI-driven future for immersive work, play, and creativity.
Partnering with Google and Qualcomm, Galaxy XR dons Gemini as an AI assistant and a Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip to vitalise use and XR adventure.
Users can interact with their surroundings and apps using natural gestures (eyes, hands and voice) in an environment that blends the digital with the physical. It’s Android, but exploded into 3D space.
A plethora of apps are accessible through the headset: HBO Max, Crunchyroll and all of Google’s components, including YouTube, Maps and Photos. It also includes over 50 XR-exclusive experiences in Adobe, MLB, Fox Sports and many more.
The Business Application
With 2.5 hours of video playback, micro-OLED clarity, and seamless integration with the Android ecosystem, Samsung’s move could democratize mixed reality for the enterprise. The cheaper yet comparable model offers a powerful, AI-integrated, and developer-friendly platform that businesses can actually afford to scale.
Where Samsung’s headset shines brightest is in its AI awareness. Gemini Live doesn’t just answer queries – it understands your context. ‘Circle’ search allows for on-the-go look-ups mid-Internet surf to keep you in the flow of research and activity. It’s spatial computing powered by semantic understanding.
Imagine your workspace unfolding around you like a living desktop. The Galaxy XR allows multiple resizable apps to float in your environment. Picture a Google Doc here, a Chrome tab there, your Spotify playlist hovering beside your meeting notes. You can pair a keyboard and mouse, connect your PC, or simply talk to Gemini: “Hey Google, organize my windows.”
As we discovered in August, Galaxy XR is here to break boundaries. Daniel Araujo stated:
“Our XR headset, which seamlessly integrates the XR ecosystem developed in partnership with Google as well as multimodal AI capabilities will serve as a key stepping stone in solidifying our leadership in future technologies and further expanding the Galaxy ecosystem.”
It’s a clean vision of how XR could evolve beyond novelty and into necessity. This could be a major factor for hybrid workers seeking privacy, focus, and boundless screen space.
An XR Revolution?
The Galaxy XR isn’t just another headset: it’s the dawn of an open, AI-driven spatial ecosystem. As Android XR begins its evolution, the question is no longer whether mixed reality will take off, but how fast it will change how we work, learn, and live.
The race is on – and this time, Android’s in the driver’s seat.
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