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ZDNET Highlights
- At $1,800, Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset is half the price of the Apple Vision Pro.
- You can use native Android apps and virtual desktop connection for multi-screen work and media experiences.
- Samsung (for now) limits direct PC connectivity to Galaxy Book devices.
After purchasing the Apple Vision Pro, I was initially impressed by its ability to create an immersive, multi-screen environment when paired with my MacBook Pro. However, after just a few weeks, the $3,500 price proved too high to make up for the modest increase in productivity, leading to its withdrawal.
When Samsung announced Galaxy XR headset At half the price, I was immediately interested. Over the past two weeks, I’ve put the Galaxy XR through its paces, rigorously testing its usefulness for professional work. This effort includes testing native Android XR applications as well as expanding my Apple and Windows laptops for productivity while traveling.
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Based on these results, I’ve decided to keep the Galaxy XR, hoping Samsung continues to improve the platform and more essential apps arrive. Now, let’s take a closer look at the key use cases where the headset delivers on its promise, as well as the outstanding issues that still need to be addressed.
1. Using native Android XR apps
While hand tracking works for me about 70% of the time, when I’m focused on efficiency and getting work done, I need the headset to be as reliable as my laptop. So, pairing the headset with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse is my preferred method for navigation until Samsung improves the reliability of its hand and eye tracking.
Availability of apps like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Microsoft Office is strong, and they perform as expected. I’m able to use these native Android XR apps to write ZDNET content, create spreadsheets, and do the writing and Excel analysis required for my engineering work. Additionally, Samsung Internet, one of my favorite web browsers, works perfectly for all my web-based endeavors.
A big feature of the Galaxy XR designed to increase efficiency is the ability to spatially place apps around you. This allows you to move your body or head to work in multiple windows without the constant need to open, close, or minimize programs. You can open up to five apps at once; Launching the sixth will automatically minimize the first one you have open. Simply use the task switcher to bring any minimized application back into view.
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For my daily work as a professional engineer, I rely on specialized ship design programs that run on Windows computers. To access these, I downloaded and installed the VMWare Omnisa Horizon application, which is available for Android XR and should provide remote desktop access. Unfortunately, when the app is installed and opened, nothing appears on the display. I eagerly hope that the developer will provide this important functionality for better productivity.
2. Virtual desktops are almost here
Apple offers a native connection between its computer and the Vision Pro headset, and Samsung offers a similar experience, but only with the Galaxy Book. Thankfully, Virtual Desktop applications fill this gap. It can be installed on Apple and Windows computers as well as Android devices, and the $25 app works flawlessly on the Galaxy XR. I paid the fee, and while it’s not perfect, with the occasional hiccups and stutters, it provides the general experience I was looking for.
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With Virtual Desktop running on the Galaxy XR, I can use the connected computer’s keyboard and mouse, making my external input device a seamless option. It also allows for three desktop displays on the Galaxy XR, which is a big win over limited physical monitors. Since I only travel with a single laptop, the ability to carry two very large virtual displays with me – in the form of the Galaxy XR – is worth the Samsung travel case.
A significant challenge and source of frustration I encountered is that these desktop windows are difficult to position, often requiring considerable effort to line them up for the optimal visual experience. What’s worse, if you take the headset off and turn it back on, all the windows are reset and appear right in front of you, forcing you to reinstall them in the virtual space.
I experience the same troublesome repositioning when switching from virtual desktop to native Android XR apps and back again. I would greatly appreciate a feature to save the state of these windows and a simple button to return them to the default arrangement.
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On the positive side, displays are highly customizable: they can be increased or decreased in size, curved or flattened, and moved closer or further to achieve the desired view. The fonts and display are remarkably clear, and I never experienced visual fatigue even after hours of concentrated work in this environment.
3. Don’t sleep on a USB-C port
A hidden USB-C port is located on the right side of the Galaxy XR headset. Although it cannot be used to power a headset, it offers several alternative benefits. A small, light gray cover hides the port, and it can be easily missed unless you know it’s there. To access it, simply press down on the back of the cover to lift the front and rotate it out of the way.
Although this port cannot be used to connect to an Apple or Windows computer and have the Galaxy XR function as a display for those machines (with multiple monitors), you can connect a USB-C cable to output the Galaxy XR display to an external screen. This is especially useful for training or demonstrating the Galaxy XR experience to others.
This same port also accepts keyboards, mice, USB hubs, Ethernet adapters, flash drives, and more. Given that the Galaxy XR only comes with one storage configuration (256GB), it’s a significant advantage to know that it’s easy to add external storage via the USB-C port.
Personally, I’ve used my great Keychron mechanical keyboard and Bluetooth mouse via cable with the Galaxy XR; This setup provides efficient navigation and text input when I use the headset as my primary computer display.
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Beyond personal use, I’ve noticed that Samsung Heavy Industries is using the Galaxy XR to train new employees, enabling them to learn complex ship assembly processes using digital twins before they enter dry dock. Performing these tasks virtually is both faster and safer than starting in a shipyard environment. Similarly, architects and engineers can walk through large-scale CAD models, leave floating annotations and receive feedback on the spot.
Before the Galaxy XR, I used a pair of XR Glasses primarily to increase my productivity by expanding my virtual display beyond a laptop screen. However, recently the skin behind my nose and ears has become irritated – possibly an allergic reaction to the silicone material of the glasses. fortunately this issue is absent Galaxy XR headsetWhich makes it my clear choice for all future business trips.
