Samsung Electronics unveils new AI-powered Galaxy XR headset

SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co. on Wednesday unveiled a new headset powered by the Android XR platform, featuring artificial intelligence (AI) and a sleek, lightweight design for greater comfort.

The Galaxy XR is the first device to run on Android XR, a platform co-developed by Samsung Electronics, Google and Qualcomm Inc., the company said.

Android XR is an extended reality (XR) operating system designed to support XR devices, such as headsets and smart glasses.

Powered by multimodal AI, which can understand various forms of input, including voice and video, the platform enables users to interact with XR content through voice commands, eye tracking and hand gestures in three-dimensional (3D) space.

Google's map, photo and YouTube apps are available on the Galaxy XR, while Gemini Live, Google's real-time voice assistance AI, supports interactive communication with users.

The Galaxy XR also offers a range of sports broadcasts in XR format through partnerships with major content providers and sports organizations, including Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Samsung highlighted that the headset weighs 545 grams, with frames designed to distribute weight across the forehead and the back of the head for improved comfort.

Users with poor eyesight can attach insert-type prescription lenses magnetically for better vision, the company added.

"This marks the starting point of our vision to create a new XR ecosystem in collaboration with Google," said Lim Seong-taek, vice president of Samsung's device division. "It represents the highest level of hardware and software integration in the industry. We will continue expanding partnerships with local content providers, including Tving and Coupang."

The Galaxy XR went on sale Wednesday for 2.69 million won (US$1,880) in South Korea and the United States.

brk@yna.co.kr
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