Samsung headset improvement kits will probably be obtainable in October earlier than a shopper launch in March, Enterprise Insider experiences.
In early 2023 Samsung formally introduced it was engaged on an XR headset, with Google dealing with the system software program through a brand new variant of Android, now identified to be referred to as Android XR, and Qualcomm offering the chipset, which it later introduced as Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, a higher-end variant of the bottom XR2 Gen 2 utilized in Meta Quest 3.
Enterprise Insider’s Hugh Langley, who beforehand revealed the existence of Android XR earlier than it was publicly identified, cites “an individual aware of the interior timeline” as saying the headset was initially set to launch earlier this yr, however the present launch timeline is now March 2025.
That very same individual claims “a developer model” will probably be obtainable from October. It is unclear how extensively obtainable this developer package will probably be.
Langley’s report comes simply days after Samsung publicly introduced its XR platform is “coming this yr” and Google confirmed it is nonetheless concerned.
Samsung Confirms Android XR Headset Coming This 12 months
At its Galaxy Unpacked occasion this week Samsung appeared to offer a timeline for its upcoming headset that will probably be powered by Google’s Android XR.
The lengthy delay in Samsung’s timeline could also be as a result of it considerably raised the targets and expectations of the venture in response to Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional.
Final yr South Korean outlet SBS Biz reported Samsung initiated a redesign proper after the reveal of Imaginative and prescient Professional, which seemingly exceeded its expectations, and Langley’s new report suggests fears by Google and Samsung of the headset not being ok but to “dazzle customers” have contributed to the delays.
Langley claims Google’s AR/VR groups have additionally been going through a “stream of exits” after layoffs and reshuffles, with a number of key staff leaving to work on Meta’s AR glasses venture.
Whereas Samsung would be the first {hardware} maker to make use of Android XR, The Info reported that Google has additionally been pitching it to different {hardware} makers – although there have been no experiences of different corporations but accepting. In the meantime Meta too is courting {hardware} companions, just lately netting ASUS and Lenovo.
