This week Samsung and Google confirmed their forthcoming “XR platform” can be introduced this yr, although it’s unclear if it is going to really launch earlier than the top of 2024.
It was early 2023 when Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm first introduced their collaboration on an “XR platform” based mostly on Android. The timing of that announcement made it sound like we’d in all probability hear extra about that platform and no matter gadgets it will energy in late 2023 or perhaps early 2024.
However just some months later, Apple formally unveiled its long-rumored Imaginative and prescient Professional headset, and introduced it will be launching in early 2024.
Since then, we’ve heard little in regards to the XR effort from Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm—save for some rumblings that the businesses could have taken a step again to reassess their plans after seeing what Apple deliberate to launch with Imaginative and prescient Professional.
This week, nevertheless, the businesses confirmed will probably be revealed by the top of 2024—and even perhaps launched by then.
Through the Samsung Unpacked occasion this week, Google’s SVP of Platform & Gadgets, Rick Osterloh, took to the stage and spoke briefly about the way forward for the corporate’s collaboration with Samsung:
“Wanting ahead, we’re collaborating to convey next-generation experiences throughout Galaxy merchandise. From smartphones and wearables, to even future applied sciences, just like the upcoming XR platform we’ve been working to develop in shut partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm for next-generation gadgets,” Osterloh mentioned. “You’ll wish to keep tuned for that. It’s an thrilling new period in cellular computing, and we’re thrilled to take our partnership with Samsung to the subsequent stage.”
Samsung’s Head of Cell, TM Roh, took to the stage afterward to concur, including that the XR platform in query would come by the top of 2024.
“I respect [Osterloh] and his workforce at Google for his or her fixed partnership that fuels innovation and ignites new prospects, like our new XR platform coming this yr.”
We nonetheless don’t know precisely what form the so-called “XR platform” will take. Whereas it was initially anticipated the businesses had been engaged on one thing to compete with Meta’s game-focused Quest platform, Imaginative and prescient Professional’s emphasis on extra basic productiveness and spatial computing could have modified priorities. And even nonetheless, Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm may not wish to problem both entrance. As a substitute, they could attempt to stake out their declare with mobile-focused clear AR glasses—perhaps beginning with fundamental smartglasses performance.
For now all we all know is that we’ll study extra later this yr, however it’s nonetheless unclear if we’ll see an announcement or an precise product launch by the top of 2024.
What do you suppose can be revealed, and what would you wish to see ideally? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
