Samsung and Google Unveil XR Headset 'Project Infinity' as Gateway to Android XR Ecosystem | Be Korea-savvy

Samsung and Google Unveil XR Headset ‘Project Infinity’ as Gateway to Android XR Ecosystem


On May 13 of this year, Samsung Electronics and Google’s extended reality (XR) headset, Project Infinity, which is currently under development, was displayed at the “Korea Premium Goods Exhibition,” a side event held for “Korea Day” at the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo in Japan. (Yonhap)

On May 13 of this year, Samsung Electronics and Google’s extended reality (XR) headset, Project Infinity, which is currently under development, was displayed at the “Korea Premium Goods Exhibition,” a side event held for “Korea Day” at the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo in Japan. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 14 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung Electronics is set to release its first extended reality (XR) headset, developed in collaboration with Google under the codename “Project Infinity,” by the end of this year. The device will be the inaugural hardware to run on “Android XR,” a newly developed operating system tailored for immersive reality experiences.

The move marks a significant step in Android’s broader push into the XR space, positioning the open ecosystem and Google’s AI capabilities as key differentiators in an increasingly competitive landscape dominated by Apple.

At Samsung’s recent Galaxy Unpacked event in New York, the company confirmed plans to launch the headset later this year, with a follow-up smart glasses product — currently under development as “Project Horizon” — expected in 2026.

Industry insiders believe the true battleground lies not in bulky headsets, but in lightweight, everyday smart glasses. Samsung’s upcoming model is expected to weigh just 50 grams and house a 155mAh battery, pointing to a new wave of wearable computing designed for long-term, daily use.

The XR headset is said to mirror the design and performance of Apple’s Vision Pro, which debuted in 2023 to mixed reviews due to its high price (around 5 million won, or roughly $3,800) and heavy weight. Samsung and Google, however, are reportedly less focused on hardware success alone and more intent on using the device to seed the Android XR platform.

On May 20 of this year (local time), at Google’s annual developer conference (I/O) held in Mountain View, California, Shahram Izadi, Vice President of Android XR at Google, introduces Google’s smart glasses developed in collaboration with Samsung Electronics. (Yonhap)

On May 20 of this year (local time), at Google’s annual developer conference (I/O) held in Mountain View, California, Shahram Izadi, Vice President of Android XR at Google, introduces Google’s smart glasses developed in collaboration with Samsung Electronics. (Yonhap)

South Korea as Testbed for XR Content

To ensure the headset’s adoption, both companies are working with Korean content and IT firms to develop immersive XR-native experiences. Though existing 2D content such as streaming apps and games can be adapted to the headset, bespoke XR applications are viewed as essential for consumer appeal.

If successful, Samsung’s headset could serve as the foundation for a scalable Android XR ecosystem that includes manufacturers like Lenovo and Xreal. Google reportedly envisions a content model akin to its Play Store, where XR apps can be localized and deployed globally — a valuable advantage in a nascent market still lacking rich content.

Industry experts say Google’s superior AI capabilities, paired with Android’s open ecosystem, could give the alliance a meaningful edge over Apple as smart glasses technology matures.

On March 3 (local time), marking the opening of the world’s largest mobile communications exhibition, Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, visitors explore Samsung Electronics’ booth at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain, where the first Android XR headset, Project Moohan, is on display. (Image provided by Samsung Electronics)

On March 3 (local time), marking the opening of the world’s largest mobile communications exhibition, Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, visitors explore Samsung Electronics’ booth at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain, where the first Android XR headset, Project Moohan, is on display. (Image provided by Samsung Electronics)

Rethinking Smart Glasses: From Displays to AI

Smart glasses are increasingly viewed as a successor to smartphones, but display technology remains a major hurdle. The close distance between the eye and lens makes rendering visual content a technical challenge, which has historically led to bulkier, less comfortable designs.

However, advancements in AI are creating new possibilities. Leading manufacturers are exploring “display-less” smart glasses that rely on embedded cameras and voice-based AI interaction. These devices could provide real-time information — such as navigation directions — without projecting visual interfaces.

One industry expert suggested that Samsung’s initial smart glasses may debut as “AI glasses” with no display at all, gradually evolving into more sophisticated optical devices as technology improves.

This shift is drawing interest from traditional eyewear brands. Ray-Ban has partnered with Meta, while Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster is collaborating with Samsung, signaling a convergence of fashion and next-generation tech.

As Samsung and Google gear up for the Android XR era, all eyes are on South Korea — not just as a launchpad for new hardware, but as a proving ground for content, ecosystem development, and the future of ambient computing.

Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com) 

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