Samsung and Google have officially entered the XR arena—and they didn’t skimp on specs. Priced at $1,800, the new Galaxy XR is the first headset powered by Android XR and Google’s Gemini AI. Visually, it packs more pixels than the Apple Vision Pro and offers better color range too, though its refresh rate tops out at 90Hz (versus Apple’s 120Hz). Hardware highlights include dual passthrough cameras for mixed reality, six environmental trackers, eye-tracking sensors, and Dolby Atmos speakers. It even scans your iris to log in—so yes, the future includes biometric passwordless entry.
Gemini powers everything from spatialized 3D memories in Google Photos to real-time search using “Circle to Search” while in passthrough mode. YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Meet have been retooled for XR, and the OS allows you to arrange multiple apps in virtual space—or delegate that to Gemini too. Streaming gets decked out with 4K virtual theaters and 360-degree content, with major services like Crunchyroll and HBO Max onboard. There’s also a multi-view sports option, which may finally justify using a headset to watch baseball.
The bundle sweetens the steep price: early buyers get a suite of premium subscriptions—Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, NFL Pro Era, and even next year’s NBA League Pass in the U.S. Plus, Adobe’s Project Pulsar is bringing 3D video editing into mixed reality, and yes, there are controllers (sold separately, naturally). For those wondering if this is a Vision Pro clone with a Google badge—well, it’s lighter, cheaper, and comes with coaching tips mid-game. Because why not?
Read more at Engadget.