Samsung virtual reality headsets for gaming and video to launch worldwide in 2025

Samsung is preparing to launch a line of virtual reality headsets in 2025 that will compete with products from Meta, Sony and Apple.<br><br>The move marks a new foray into a market that is still experimental but set for rapid growth and comes as Samsung’s smartphone marketshare is increasingly under attack from China’s Xiaomi and Realme. <br><br>The South Korean technology group’s virtual reality headsets, which are codenamed S1 and S2, look like ski goggles and have micro-LED displays that allow users to fully immerse themselves in their surroundings, according to people briefed on the project. <br><br>Samsung has so far been relatively quiet on its virtual reality plans even as big technology companies including Meta, Sony and Apple prepare to launch their own virtual reality headsets.<br><br>One person briefed on the project said Samsung had already shown off its virtual reality “demo products” behind closed doors at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. <br><br>Samsung has also discussed the project internally, according to another person briefed on its plans. “Samsung is trying to make everything a bit more futuristic,” said the person. “It is going to be for gaming, video experiences, meeting experiences . . . as we move towards the metaverse.”<br><br>The South Korean company is banking on the virtual reality market growing significantly over the coming years. It is working with companies such as ByteDance’s Pico and software developers such as Epic Games on the venture, according to sources. It is also in talks with content providers including Netflix, Disney and Paramount.<br><br>“I think the tech is getting better,” said Jitesh Ubrani, analyst at IDC. “There’s definitely . . . a much bigger uptick in both consumer and commercial interest in VR.” IDC predicted that the global virtual reality market would rise from 8.6mn shipments last year to 74.6mn shipments in 2027.