What you need to know
- Samsung detailed a major update for the Galaxy XR that adds Android Enterprise support, laying the foundation for real-world possibilities.
- It adds that the Galaxy XR is now viable in training, healthcare and other industries.
- Regular users get accessibility updates like an “enhanced” virtual keyboard and “desktop session restore” for personalization, as well as single eye tracking.
Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset received a “key” software update this week that gives it a window into the workforce.
In a press release, Samsung announced this update for the Galaxy XR, saying that it adds “new enterprise capabilities” while also introducing improvements for “everyday capabilities.” A joint blog post An in-depth look at the Galaxy XR’s new Android Enterprise support. “Our vision for XR goes beyond hardware – it’s about building a secure, scalable ecosystem informed by our users,” said James Choi, Samsung’s EVP and head of XR R&D, MX Business.
As soon as Android Enterprise is added With Android XR (and Galaxy XR by extension), users will get enterprise-grade controls and efficiency. Samsung says this creates a “scalable” foundation that can bring the Galaxy XR to real-world industries, such as “training, manufacturing, healthcare and retail.” This update brings security for sensitive data.
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It is said that enterprise apps rely on managed Google Play, making it easier for users to roll out and update apps. Additionally, the following device enrollment methods are available: Android Zero-Touch, QR Code Setup, and Device Policy Controller (DPC) identifier provisioning.
For standard users, the Galaxy XR is starting to roll out an “enhanced” virtual keyboard that lets you save alternate keyboard positions for better personalization. Whatever your previously selected vertical position or depth was, the Galaxy XR will remember it. A “Desktop Session Restore” feature is rolling out, meaning users can instantly reopen the last three apps they were using.
Eye Tracking Update and Localization
In terms of accessibility, the Galaxy XR expands single eye tracking and pointer optimization to better assist users with different “vision or mobility” needs. Auto spatialization comes to Google Chrome and YouTube, capable of converting 2D content to 3D (this includes photos as well as videos). Finally, Wall Panel Alignment, a Labs feature for the Galaxy XR, is a feature that helps integrate content viewed through the headset into your physical surroundings.
Samsung says this Galaxy XR update is rolling out today (April 7).
So far, there have been a few ways to use the Galaxy XR that we have come across. On the one hand, you have its utility as “”Laptop for your face.” Samsung was in a unique position with the Galaxy XR, as it made it clear from the jump that “all apps built on the Android platform work right out of the box on the Galaxy XR.” While this makes it possible for users to quickly get in and work in a different setting, not everyone is going to go for it due to its hefty price tag.
Then, you have its gaming capabilities, which Android Central’s Nicholas Sutrich took advantage of, turning the Galaxy XR into a pretty cool Steam Frame.
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Another thing was very clear about the Galaxy XR earlier this year, and that’s that it relies heavily on AI; that is Gemini. Google’s AI opens apps faster on devices, helps users find places to eat within an immersive Maps experience, and much more. Samsung is all about the “Multimodal AI” aspect of the Galaxy XR, which makes sense once you get used to it. Heck, you can even create AI videos thanks to Veo 3 on the headset. But, after today’s patch, it looks like Samsung is working on what else the headset could do.
