Google and Samsung launch mixed-reality headset to compete with Apple, Meta

Google and Samsung are teaming up to bring new mixed-reality devices to the market. They introduced a new technology called Android XR, which combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These are new types of technology that let people experience virtual worlds or add computer-made images to the real world. They also showed a new headset called Project Moohan. The word Moohan means “infinite” in Korean.

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Google and Samsung want to make mixed-reality technology easy and fun for everyone to use. Their goal is to compete with Apple and Meta's devices, which are already in the market. Apple’s Vision Pro headset has struggled because it is very expensive and heavy, while Meta has focused on creating simpler devices.

Sameer Samat, a senior executive at Google, said, "The time for XR is now." He also talked about Google Glass, a technology the company created years ago but didn’t become popular. Now they believe the technology is ready, and the time is right to bring it to life.

The new Android XR system will come with smart features. For example, if you wear the headset and look at a chair or furniture, the technology will scan it and give you instructions on how to put it together. It will also help with planning trips using Google Maps or other exciting experiences through VR.

Samsung’s new headset will be the first product to use the Android XR system. It will launch in the next year. Samsung designed the headset to be lighter and more comfortable compared to Apple’s Vision Pro. The headset has a special battery you can attach so that you can use it for longer periods of time. It will also let users switch between AR and VR modes easily by tapping on the side of the device.

The headset uses a chip called Qualcomm XR2 Gen 2, which is a powerful chip made for mixed-reality devices. Samsung has said that they are focusing on comfort and affordability so that more people can use this technology.

Google will include popular apps like YouTube and other apps from the Google Play Store with this new system. Other companies can also create their own apps for Android XR. This means that users will have access to lots of fun things to do with the headset.

Google is also showing off prototype glasses under its Project Astra program. These glasses use advanced technology to show clear, bright images without using a lot of battery. They can recognize objects and give information to users, such as showing directions or instructions.

Both Google and Samsung are testing these devices with users to get feedback. They want to make sure that the technology works well and is easy to use for everyone.

Google and Samsung believe that their mixed-reality devices will be used for many purposes like gaming, watching videos, learning, exploring new places, or even helping people with daily activities. Their main goal is to make this technology affordable, fun, and easy for everyone to experience.