As a young journalist, until a few months ago, I was completely new to the world of tech. I had never had the opportunity to test a VR headset unlike many of my colleagues at 01net. This opportunity presented itself to me last week, I had the chance to test the Samsung Galaxy XR. After trying it for a little while, I’m giving you my first impressions, those of an apprentice tester, but also those of an enthusiast who is experiencing an innovative tech product for the first time.
Before I was able to take charge of the Samsung Galaxy XR, I thought it was a VR headset like I had seen others come by. However, I learned during this hands-on experience that this model was not a virtual reality headset but a mixed reality headset! Mixed reality is a technology that combines virtual reality and augmented reality.
A lightweight, comfortable and easy-to-use headset even for novices
The first impression this helmet gave me was that of its lightness. Given its size, I was expecting a much heavier device. This is not the case, the helmet ultimately remains quite comfortable. It is easily adjusted and holds well in place. The only small negative point is perhaps the small mark on the forehead that the helmet leaves once removed, although it only remains visible for a few moments after its removal.
More broadly, it is a beautiful object, despite a design that evokes a ski mask. But this aspect becomes secondary once the helmet is placed on the head. Still on the design side, having to keep the battery in the pocket is not as bothersome as I thought, even if it is nice to have a pocket.
Once properly installed on your head, it is very easy to use, even for the newbie and Apple user that I am. After a few explanations, navigation becomes intuitive. The interface is simple, you navigate using pinches and gestures, a physical button is also present on the top of the headset.
If we focus on the image, this is the aspect that impressed me the most during this first experience. The image quality seemed very clear and fluid to me, with very little latency. The sound, also 360°, also contributes to the immersion and reinforces the feeling of being in your bubble.
Impressive immersive apps
I was able to try watching YouTube or Netflix on the Galaxy XR and it was very pleasant. Once launched, the application screen can open large, very large, which almost gives the impression of being in the cinema, you really have the feeling of being immersed in the series, films or videos that you are viewing.
Another feature that I had the opportunity to test is Google Street View with its immersive mode. The application allows you to move in 360° anywhere in the world. It is possible to visit cities like Paris, New York or even landscapes such as the Grand Canyon. I was able to fly over these places from a drone’s point of view. I then didn’t have the feeling of looking at a map but rather of being immersed in the map.
This immersive experience was my favorite, although, the only negative point, it caused me a little dizziness, although I am not usually prone to it.
Review of the experience
Lacking a point of comparison, it is difficult to fully judge the Galaxy XR. This first handling, however, remains positive and makes me want to try other mixed reality headsets to get a more complete opinion.
The immersion in Android XR is impressive even if it does not completely correspond to the idea of “technological revolution” that I had of it.
There remains the question of daily usefulness. The few minutes spent with the headset may have been enough, the experience is pleasant but at the moment I don’t need it. It nevertheless remains an interesting and fun experience that I would be ready to repeat if the opportunity presents itself.
👉🏻 Follow tech news in real time: add 01net to your sources on Google, and subscribe to our WhatsApp channel.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
