News
Samsung speeds up XR device development, uses Google’s OS and Qualcomm’s Chip
As Apple unveiled the VisionPro earlier this month, Samsung has accelerated its efforts to develop a new XR device, with an aim to release it as early as this year. The upcoming Samsung XR device would be equipped with OS by Google and a chipset by Qualcomm.
The report indicates that Samsung is focusing on AR glasses instead of VR headsets. It enhances connectivity with Galaxy devices such as smartphones, watches, and buds, and even possibly with its smart home platform SmartThings.
Follow our socials → Google News, Telegram, Twitter, FacebookSams
It’s most likely that Samsung’s AR glasses could be called Galaxy Glasses and Galaxy Space. The XR market is expected to grow rapidly as Meta has also unveiled its new VR headset “Quest 3” a few days prior to Apple’s VisionPro unveiling.
During the Galaxy S23 Unpacked, Samsung confirmed that it has partnered with industry giants for XR. Qualcomm, which is strong in chipsets, Samsung, with strength in displays including sensor views and products, and Google, a strong player in OS and services, will join forces to create a proper ecosystem.
Industry insiders see that a new era of the XR ecosystem will open in the first half of next year when Samsung and Apple set foot in the market. Participation of major players will spark competition for innovation although the products are somewhat highly priced and are still uncomfortable to wear.
The world’s attention is focused on the XR ecosystem that will be created by Samsung Electronics Co., the South Korean rival of global tech giant Apple Inc., in partnership with Google Inc. and Qualcomm Inc. after Apple kicked off a new wave of the XR market with its mixed reality (MR) headset Vision Pro.
Image – Wikipedia
Samsung is rushing to secure its $6.4 billion subsidies under the US CHIPS Act. After Intel and TSMC, the Biden-led outgoing government finalized subsidies for a US-based firm, Micron.
On December 10, the US Department of Commerce announced that it would provide Micron with $6.165 billion in subsidies, the same amount as stated in the preliminary PMT signed in April.
Micron plans to use these subsidies to build semiconductor plants in New York and Idaho.
Samsung had agreed to invest $44 billion and receive $6.4 billion in subsidies. Meanwhile, Samsung and SK Hynix remain the only major companies yet to finalize their subsidy agreements.
Reports say South Korea’s Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are in final negotiations with the US government to secure subsidies under the CHIPS and Science Act before Trump takes office.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo previously stated that the goal is to allocate all subsidies before the end of this administration.
During his election campaigns, Donald Trump criticized the CHIPS subsidies introduced by Joe Biden. As Trump’s presidency nears, there’s a risk of cancellation of subsidies and increased tariffs.
Samsung plans to use the subsidy to build a semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas. This foundry plant is expected to begin producing 2nm and 4nm products in 2026.
The foundry plant Samsung is building in the US relies heavily on securing customers. Given the current situation, it might not be easy to proceed with the investment as planned.
There is a possibility that the subsidies might decrease slightly from the one initially offered to Samsung. Intel has also agreed to receive $600 million less in subsidies than initially planned.
Via – Reuters
Samsung will hold this year’s second Global Strategy Meeting next week. Samsung is reportedly gathering executives to plan the Galaxy S25 series strategy for 2025 as well as risk management to seamlessly function all activities.
According to Chosun, Samsung may hold a Global Strategy Meeting from December 17 to 19, where plans for the Galaxy S25 series and risk management are said to be discussed.
The institutional sector for Samsung’s DX Division will hold a global strategy meeting on the 17th and 18th, while the institutional sector for the DS Division will meet on the 19th.
This isn’t a surprise meeting Samsung is preparing for, but it takes place every June and December. The timeline for these meetings aligns with the prior flagship launch to prepare a strategy.
Samsung will be gathering top global executives to share issues by business and regional categories. The meeting will discuss next year’s business goals and sales strategies for the upcoming flagships.
Han Jong-hee, head of the DX institutional sector (Vice Chairman), and Jeon Young-hyun, head of the DS institutional sector (Vice Chairman), are expected to lead the meetings.
Jay Y. Lee, Samsung Elec’s boss and chairman of the board, is unlikely to attend the meetings in person but will receive reports on business strategies later.
South Korea has recently witnessed a sudden martial law implication and quick revocation. It puts a sharp burden on Korean manufacturers as the currency is weakening over the USD.
Samsung will launch Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra early next year. The prices of these devices may be hiked due to increased exchange rates, resulting in additional material costs.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is recognized as the Smartphone of the Year at the NAG Awards 2024. The company’s flagship smartphone has scored this achievement given the best in gaming and hardware in South Africa.
NAG recognized the incredible performance, versatility, and innovation of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which left a significant mark in 2024 in both gaming and content creation—ultimately making it Smartphone of the Year.
While the S24 Ultra secured the number one spot, Samsung had another device also making a great showing in the top five with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 coming in at fourth place.
Earlier this year, Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone. The device unleashed new mobile experiences with Galaxy AI, paving the way for a new era.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is undoubtedly a magnificent smartphone, which gives users everything they need to create content, manage NAG editorial, and play mobile games at 120fps.
“Congratulations on a well-deserved NAG Mobile Device of the Year 2024 award. The S24 Ultra is a phenomenal gaming device that we use daily for our gaming fix in the NAG office. Additionally, we have shot many of the NAG videos this year using the S24 Ultra. It is that good,” Len Nery, Publisher at NAG magazine.
Galaxy S24 Ultra wins Smartphone of the Year at NAG 2024 | Source: Samsung
With its exceptional performance, stunning display, and powerful Galaxy AI features and capabilities, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra has cemented its status as one of the leading mobile devices globally and South African market.
“We are honoured to receive the Smartphone of the Year award for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It’s a testament to our commitment to delivering high-performance devices that elevate user experience. We knew at the beginning of 2024 that the Galaxy S24 Ultra was going to be a game-changer for creators, gamers, and professionals alike with its AI-driven features, and we’re thrilled to see its success acknowledged by the NAG community,” Kgomotso Mosiane, Head of Marketing for Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics.