After revealing the design of the Android XR during the Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung has given someone the chance to experience it firsthand—and that person is Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD. His hands-on video offers the first detailed look at the headset’s features, and it’s honestly quite thrilling.
Features and Capabilities
Now, let’s dive into what this device can do. The headset operates on the Android XR OS, with Google Gemini integrated. It runs apps from the Google Play Store and allows you to arrange them similarly to the Vision Pro. The spatial computing experience is where this headset truly excels. You can position app windows side by side, resize them, move them around your virtual desktop, or simply ask Gemini to manage it for you.
While those using smartphones can also interact with Gemini, the ability to view live video and have conversations feels much more seamless with this headset. It can see what you’re seeing, eliminating the need to hold your phone separately to aim at the subject.
Design and Controls
The headset is equipped with multiple cameras—eight on the front and two inside for eye-tracking. It features typical controls such as a power button, volume rocker, and a touchpad on the side. The outer casing combines metal, glass, plastic, and fabric. If you wish, you can attach a faceplate to block out light, or leave it off to maintain a connection with the real world. There’s also a dial on the back to help adjust the fit.
Much like the Vision Pro, it draws power from an external battery pack that connects via USB-C. As Marques pointed out, using a USB-C connector means you can plug the device into a higher-capacity power source. This not only makes it easy to switch out batteries but also ensures longer battery life for each session.
User Interaction and Accessories
When you wear the headset, it automatically detects your eyes and adjusts the lenses for optimal clarity. Control is mainly done through hand gestures—like pinching your thumb and index finger to access the app launcher, where you can find all your favorite Google apps. You can also connect Bluetooth keyboards and mice, and there are rumors that Samsung may launch its own controllers, which could enhance the gaming experience.
Pricing and Availability
Now, let’s address the crucial questions: when will it be available, and what will it cost? Samsung is targeting a launch sometime in 2025. According to Sammobile, it may debut alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 around the middle of 2025. As for the price tag, speculation suggests it could be approximately $2,000, making it a bit more accessible compared to Apple’s Vision Pro.
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