Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm Delay Launch of XR Headset
In an exciting announcement at the Unpacked event in February 2023, Qualcomm, Samsung, and Google revealed their partnership to develop an XR headset. However, recent reports suggest that the project has hit a roadblock, causing a delay in the launch.
Higher Resolution Screens and Production Targets
The Korean newspaper, The JoonAng, states that Samsung has commissioned higher resolution screens from Samsung Display for its XR headset. This decision was made to match the impressive 4K-in-each-eye (8K) displays unveiled by Apple in the Vision Pro, which are manufactured by Sony. As a result, the announcement of the Samsung headset has been pushed from early 2024 to mid-2024, with the actual launch expected at the end of the year.
According to The JoonAng’s sources, Samsung has set a modest production target of 30,000 units for 2024. In comparison, Apple has reportedly scaled back its production targets for the Vision Pro from 1 million to 400,000 units for the same year.
Delayed Launch Confirmed by Developers
Upload VR also reported that Samsung has informed developers about the delay, stating that the new headset will now launch at the end of 2024.
These reports align with previous rumors that emerged after Apple’s announcement of the Vision Pro at WWDC in June. The XR alliance of Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm decided to go back to the drawing board to improve their headset’s specifications, following Apple’s surprising high-end specs.
Design and Technology Collaboration
Samsung is responsible for designing the hardware for the joint venture XR headset, while Google is developing a mixed reality version of Android. Qualcomm, on the other hand, is supplying the underlying chip technology, most likely the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Platform, which powers the recently launched Meta Quest 3 headset.
A Positive Reset for a Better Product
The reset in the development of the XR headset is reminiscent of Google’s shift in strategy during the birth of Android. After Apple’s iPhone announcement, Google redesigned Android to have a more iPhone-like multitouch interface. This move propelled Samsung to become Android’s leading proponent and top-selling hardware maker.
If the leaked prototype of the headset, resembling early Oculus Quest and HTC Vive headsets, is genuine, then the rebooted plans of the trio are a positive step. It is expected that Samsung will deliver a much more compelling hardware product when the next-generation headset is finally unveiled in mid-2024, possibly at the summer Unpacked event where the company typically showcases its latest foldable phones.
Conclusion
While the delay in the launch of the XR headset may be disappointing for enthusiasts, it indicates the commitment of Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm to deliver a superior product. The collaboration between these tech giants holds the promise of an exciting and innovative XR experience for users in the near future.
Photo: Freepik.com
