New XR Platform From Samsung and Google Will be Announced, if Not Launched, This Year

This week, Samsung and Google have officially confirmed that their highly anticipated “XR platform” will be unveiled before the end of 2024, with the possibility of a launch by then as well.

Back in early 2023, Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm announced their collaboration on an “XR platform” based on Android. Initial speculations hinted at a potential reveal of the platform and the devices it would power in late 2023 or early 2024.

However, Apple disrupted the narrative by unveiling its long-rumored Vision Pro headset, set to launch in early 2024.

Since then, updates on the XR initiative from Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm have been scarce, leading to rumors that the companies may have reevaluated their plans in light of Apple’s Vision Pro announcement.

This week, the companies have confirmed that the XR platform will indeed see the light of day by the end of 2024, with a potential launch on the horizon.

During the recent Samsung Unpacked event, Google’s SVP of Platform & Devices, Rick Osterloh, shared insights on the collaboration with Samsung:

“We are excited about the future partnership with Samsung to introduce next-generation experiences across Galaxy products. Our collaboration has been instrumental in developing the upcoming XR platform in conjunction with Qualcomm for cutting-edge devices. Stay tuned for this exciting new chapter in mobile computing as we elevate our partnership with Samsung,” Osterloh remarked.

Samsung’s Head of Mobile, TM Roh, echoed the sentiment, confirming the arrival of the XR platform by the end of 2024.

“I want to thank [Osterloh] and the Google team for their continuous collaboration that drives innovation and unlocks new opportunities, such as our forthcoming XR platform launching this year,” Roh added.

The specifics of the “XR platform” remain shrouded in mystery. Initially anticipated as a competitor to Meta’s game-centric Quest platform, the emergence of Vision Pro’s focus on productivity and spatial computing may have prompted a strategic shift. Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm might opt for a different approach, potentially exploring mobile-oriented transparent AR glasses with basic smartglasses functionalities.

As of now, details are scarce, but further revelations are expected later this year, leaving the possibility of an announcement or product launch by the end of 2024 uncertain.

What are your predictions for the upcoming reveal, and what features would you like to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!