The future of mixed reality is arriving, and Samsung’s new Galaxy XR headset is among the first devices to bring AI-powered features directly into your everyday life. While not yet a polished consumer product, the $1,799 headset showcases what’s possible when Android, Google, and spatial computing collide.
The Promise of “Circle to Search” in Real Life
The standout feature is undoubtedly “Circle to Search,” a function already familiar on Android phones, now adapted for real-world use. By simply circling an object in your vision, the headset instantly pulls up relevant Google search results. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a glimpse into a world where information is overlaid onto reality with unprecedented ease. The current implementation requires a bulky headset, but the potential for integration into future smart glasses is clear.
Positioning in the XR Landscape
The Galaxy XR occupies an awkward middle ground. It’s cheaper than Apple’s Vision Pro, but more expensive than the Meta Quest. This positions it as a high-end Android alternative, powered by Google’s XR platform. This is a key strategic move, as the Android ecosystem aims to compete with Apple and Meta in the nascent XR market. The headset serves as a testing ground for future AI-driven smart glasses, setting the stage for wider adoption.
Comfort and Practicality: Early Hiccups
The headset isn’t without flaws. While lightweight, the fit feels cramped, especially for glasses wearers. Samsung’s attempt to accommodate glasses by allowing them to be wedged inside the headset works, but compromises eye-tracking functionality. The magnetic head cushion offers limited size adjustments, leading to pressure points and discomfort during extended use.
Gemini Live and the Limits of AI Assistance
Samsung integrated Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant, into the headset. The AI can recognize objects in real-time and provide related information, but its usefulness is currently limited. It struggles with basic headset control functions (such as closing apps) and doesn’t always offer insightful advice.
Google Maps: A Killer App in Early Stages
The most compelling use case is Google Maps’ immersive mode. The app provides stunning 3D reconstructions of cities and businesses, offering a near-teleportation experience. This feature alone justifies the headset’s existence for early adopters, though the integration between 2D and 3D viewing modes still needs refinement.
A Work in Progress
Beyond these highlights, the Galaxy XR feels unfinished. The lack of compelling immersive apps and the reliance on external controllers for gaming limit its current appeal. The headset works best with a Samsung phone, indicating that the full experience is optimized within the company’s ecosystem.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy XR is a powerful proof of concept, not a fully realized product. It demonstrates the potential of AI-powered mixed reality but falls short of justifying its price tag for most consumers. The headset sets the stage for future iterations and serves as a crucial step toward mainstream XR adoption.
