What you need to know
- Samsung has detailed a major update to the Galaxy XR, which adds Android Enterprise support, laying the groundwork for real-world possibilities.
- It says the Galaxy XR is now working in industries like training, healthcare, and more.
- Regular users get accessibility updates for one-eye tracking, along with an “enhanced” virtual keyboard for personalization, and “desktop session restoration.”
Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset is the recipient of a “locked” software update this week that provides a window into operators.
In a press release, Samsung announced the Galaxy XR update, saying it adds “new business capabilities,” while also rolling out improvements to “everyday capabilities.” A shared blog post goes in-depth about the new Android Enterprise support for the Galaxy XR. Samsung’s EVP and head of XR R&D, MX Business, James Choi, said, “Our vision for XR goes beyond hardware – it’s about building a secure, scalable ecosystem that our users value.”
As Android Enterprise joins Android XR (and by extension Galaxy XR), users will get enterprise-grade controls and efficiency. Samsung says this creates a “reliable” foundation that can bring the Galaxy XR to real-world industries, “such as training, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.” This update brings the protection of sensitive data.
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The Enterprise app is said to rely on Managed Google Play, making it easier for users to download and update apps. Additionally, the following device registration methods are available: Android zero-touch, QR code setup, and Device Policy Controller (DPC) identifier provisioning.
For regular users, the Galaxy XR is starting to roll out an “enhanced” physical keyboard that lets you save some keyboard areas for better personalization. Whatever vertical position or depth you’ve chosen before, the Galaxy XR will remember it. A “desktop time recovery” feature is rolling out, which means users can quickly reopen the last three apps they were using.
Update on Eye Tracking and Positioning
On the accessibility side, the Galaxy XR extends one-eye tracking and pointer customization to better serve users with different “see or go” needs. Auto Spatialization comes to Google Chrome and YouTube, which can convert 2D content into 3D (this includes images, in addition to videos). Finally, wall panel alignment, the Labs feature of the Galaxy XR, is a feature that helps integrate content viewed through the headset into your virtual environment.
Samsung says the Galaxy XR update is rolling out today (April 7).
So far, there have been a few ways to use the Galaxy XR that have stood out to us. On the other hand, you have its utility as a “laptop for your face.” Samsung has been in a unique position with the Galaxy XR, as it has made it clear that “All apps built on the Android platform work out of the box on the Galaxy XR.” Although it makes it possible for users to log in quickly and get work done in a different environment, not everyone wants it, due to its high cost.
Then, you have the power to play, which Nicholas Sutrich of Android Central took advantage of, turning the Galaxy XR into a beautiful Steam Frame.
Android Central Take
There was one thing that was very clear about the Galaxy XR earlier this year, and that is that it relies heavily on AI; ie Gemini. Google’s AI quickly opens apps on the device, helps users find places to eat within the immersive Maps experience, and much more. Samsung is all about the Galaxy XR’s “multimodal AI” feature, which makes sense once you get involved with it. Hey, you can produce AI videos, thanks to Veo 3 in the headset. But, after today’s patch, it looks like Samsung is getting into everything else that could be a headset.