How Samsung plans to respond to Apple’s AR/VR headsets
Samsung marks the arrival of the first mixed reality headset. Along with Qualcomm and Google, the smartphone giant is looking to compete with Apple, which is likely to have its first AR/VR-oriented accessory fast approaching.
At the end of the Galaxy S23 presentation, Samsung announced its arrivala device designed for mixed reality, combining virtual and augmented reality. The South Korean company says it is developing technologies for this “Augmented Reality” future oriented. During the conference, the Seoul giant talked about the project. Samsung was satisfied with the official presentation his partnership with two influential industry players, Qualcomm and Google.
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Qualcomm chip and an exclusive version of Android
It’s no surprise that Samsung’s future headphones will ship because of it Chip provided by Qualcomm. Most likely, it will be a Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 1-like chip designed for mixed reality devices. Since 2018, Qualcomm has indeed developed a series of components dedicated to the rise of hybrid headsets, starting with the Snapdragon XR1 and XR2. Qualcomm’s chips are already at the heart of Meta’s Quest 2 headset and HTC’s numerous Vive devices. As expected, Samsung will handle the rest of the hardware part. The manufacturer has a lot of necessary experience, especially in terms of screens.
Google, in turn, will present to Samsung New version of Android designed exclusively for virtual and augmented reality experiences. The OS will obviously be reserved for branded accessories. Other headsets on the market, including Meta’s Quest, already run a modified version of Android, but this has not been controlled by Google engineers.
It should be noted that the South Korean manufacturer has already cooperated with Google Consider the WearOS operating system, designed for connected watches, combining it with the built-in Tizen OS. The two brands are also partners in home automation. This partnership allows SmartThings and Google Home users to easily add Matter-enabled devices to their Galaxy smartphones.
The genesis of the counter attack
On the sidelines of the event organized in San Francisco, CEO of Samsung mobile company TM Roh gave an interview to the Washington Post newspaper. He made it clear Cooperation with Meta and Microsoft was also on the agenda. About TM Roh, we guess Samsung’s AR / VR headset project still in its infancy:
“Many different companies have announced different forms of reality. That’s why we made similar preparations no less than others.”.
The manager adds, “ the ecosystem must be somewhat ready hoping for success before the product is released. We imagine the timing of the announcement was partly motivated The impending attack on Apple in the mixed reality headset market.
According to rumors, the Cupertino giant should really lift the lid on its first dedicated accessory during WWDC in June 2023. The release on the market will wait until autumn. Analysts expect Apple’s arrival on the scene to boost the entire mixed reality market, where sales have been sluggish.
The return of Samsung
Note that Samsung is no stranger to the world of virtual reality. In 2015, the South Korean manufacturer lifted the lid Gear VR, headset developed with support from startup Oculus. To watch immersive videos, you had to insert the smartphone into the headset. Since 2019, Samsung has been phasing out the ecosystem by reducing its features. At the same time, Samsung also distinguished itself with Odyssey, a high-end VR headset for Windows PCs.
Later, the firm preferred underline their ambitions focuses on its smartphones in the field of virtual reality, including foldable phones. While the Metaverse revolution is poised to accelerate, with the unexpected arrival of Apple, Samsung is working hard to stage its own comeback and catch up with the competition.
Similarly, we will also remember that Google is one of the pioneers of virtual reality on smartphones with its Daydream platform. Like the Gear VRs, the Daydream headset also allowed you to watch VR videos through your phone. The general public was not fooled and the initiative died in 2019. Mirroring Samsung, Google is now trying to get back to the front of the stage so as not to miss the metaverse train.
Source:
Washington post
