At Galaxy Unpacked again in February 2023 Samsung introduced that it was partnering with Google and Qualcomm to develop a XR headset – and if these leaks are appropriate we would have gotten our first take a look at its efforts thus far. Nicely, kinda.
Little or no is learn about Samsung’s newest XR efforts, although it’s anticipated to be a standalone system relatively than one thing powered by smartphones like its previous Gear VR headsets. This new leaked prototype (assuming it’s actual) offers us an perception into Samsung’s design philosophy, although in keeping with the leaks it’s not an in-development prototype. As an alternative, that is what Samsung was engaged on till it noticed the Apple Vision Pro and determined to begin over.
The leak was first posted by the Chinese language publication Vrtuoluo, however the article has been deleted (through Android Authority). The one technique to view the unique is utilizing the Way Back Machine which has archived the unique. The photographs it posted look rather a lot like a typical VR headset – such because the Oculus Quest 2 – with it apparently that includes 4 monitoring cameras, twin RGB cameras, and a depth sensor for full-color passthrough. No controllers are included with the pictures so it seems that very similar to the Imaginative and prescient Professional the Samsung XR system would use hand and eye-tracking controls by default.
The prototype apparently additionally makes use of twin micro OLED shows, and (surprisingly) a Samsung Exynos 2200 relatively than a Qualcomm XR chip such because the Snapdragon XR 2 discovered in lots of VR headsets just like the Pico 4, or a XR 2 Plus just like the one within the Meta Quest Pro.
It’s value remembering that is only a leak nonetheless, and never one which we could ever be capable of simply confirm – as it is a prototype for a headset that we should always by no means see publicly. As such we should always take the data and pictures with a pinch of salt. That stated, if that is certainly a canceled Samsung XR headset, we will see why the mission is now not in growth.
Not an Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional rival but
This leaked Samsung prototype isn’t near being a Imaginative and prescient Professional competitor. The specs are wonderful, however not in the identical league because the Apple headset, and the design is considerably extra cumbersome. After seeing the Imaginative and prescient Professional announcement we will see why Samsung would possibly need to return to the drafting board.
Not being a Imaginative and prescient Professional rival isn’t essentially a foul factor, nonetheless. Positive, borrowing a few of its cues could possibly be good, however mimic it too closely and also you’ll find yourself copying its largest flaw – the sky-high value of $3,499 (round £2,800 / AU$5,300).
If a Samsung headset can provide lots of the Imaginative and prescient Professional’s options at a fraction of its price – with rumors teasing it may cost nearer to $1,000 / £1,000 / AU$1,500 – then it could possibly be onto a winner. It’ll probably be some time earlier than we see something from Samsung although. With it abandoning this practically full mission for a brand new one it’s attainable we received’t know something concrete till 2024 and even later – we’ll simply have to attend and see what it broadcasts.
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