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Samsung may be rushing its first XR (extended reality) headset, tentatively named Galaxy Glass, to the market. The company has reportedly accelerated its development in recent months and could launch the device in the first half of 2024. It could be a strategic move to compete directly against Apple’s Vision Pro, which arrives early next year.
Samsung accelerated Galaxy Glass development for an early launch
XR encompasses augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to create immersive, interactive experiences that blend the real world with computer-generated elements. Industry experts project the XR market to grow exponentially over the next five years. The market release of the Apple Vision Pro next year is expected to kick off this XR boom.
Samsung, which competes against Apple in several technology fields and product categories, doesn’t want to be left behind in the XR race. Letting Apple gain a headstart in this emerging market could be a massive loss of business opportunity. The Korean firm is keen on maintaining parity with its arch-rival from the get-go so it can stay competitive for the years to come.
The original plan was to release the Galaxy Glass sometime in the first half of 2024. However, when Apple announced the Vision Pro in June, Samsung found that its XR headset was lacking in many areas. It went back to the drawing board and reworked the product, improving its design and specs. This took an extra few months and delayed the launch plan.
Last month, the Korean media reported that Samsung now plans to launch the Galaxy Glass in limited quantity at the end of 2024. However, a new report coming from the company’s homeland suggests otherwise. The firm accelerated the development of the product and is gearing up to bring its first-gen XR headset to the market within the next few months.
Samsung Display recently applied for the “Flex Magic” trademark
The latest news about Samsung’s Galaxy Glass comes right on the heels of new trademark applications from the company. Its display division applied for the “Flex Magic” and “Flex Magic Pixel” trademarks at the US Patent and Trademark Office. Among other things, these monikers associate with products such as “3D glasses, VR headsets, VR goggles, VR glasses, smart glasses, and head-mounted video displays.”
The Korean behemoth previously filed the same trademark applications at the European Patent Office. The company may be securing brand names for products and services related to its upcoming XR headset. Samsung seemingly doesn’t want to delay the Galaxy Glass launch for much longer. Maybe it will have something to say about the device during the Galaxy S24 launch next month. The new Galaxy flagships may debut on January 17, 2024.