Apple was the first big-name consumer electronics brand to launch a mixed-reality headset. Samsung is expected to launch its own mixed-reality headset later this year. However, by the time Samsung launches its device, it might face stiff competition from brands like ASUS, Lenovo, and even Microsoft.
Meta opens up Horizon OS for third-party AR/MR/VR headsets
In a major move, Facebook owner Meta has renamed the Android-based operating system used on its Quest MR/VR headsets to Horizon OS. Moreover, it has opened up the operating system to third-party brands. Horizon OS will now be used on MR/VR headsets from ASUS ROG, Lenovo, and Microsoft.
ASUS is building multiple performance gaming headsets, while Lenovo is developing a mixed-reality headset for entertainment, learning, and productivity. Meta is collaborating with Microsoft to build a Quest headset inspired by Xbox.
Meta is also calling Google to bring the Play Store to Horizon OS. Moreover, it plans to promote apps made using Quest App Lab on the Horizon Store. Meta is also building a spatial framework to let mobile app developers build mixed-reality apps for headsets using Horizon OS.
Samsung’s XR headset could use Android OS optimized for mixed-reality
Samsung has already announced that it is building an XR device (likely a mixed-reality headset) in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm. It will likely use a version of Android that is optimized for mixed-reality headsets and a Qualcomm processor from the Snapdragon XR series.
It is said to feature the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor. It is a 4nm chip with an octa-core CPU and a powerful Adreno 740 GPU that can drive two 4.3K screens at 90Hz. It can handle up to 12 cameras simultaneously. It has 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity.
Author’s Note: Some rumors claimed that Samsung’s XR headset is a high-end device that is priced lower than Apple’s Vision Pro. Its success will depend on the number of apps and games that are available on the platform and how well it integrates with Android smartphones, tablets, and Windows-based computers and laptops.
In comparison, Meta’s Horizon Store already has plenty of games, and it is already a great gaming platform. So, headsets from ASUS and Lenovo will have access to all those games on launch day. Samsung and Google have an uphill task ahead of them.