Gemini balances the balance of the new enemy of the vision pro

At the end of last year, Google and Samsung made us known the ecosystem Android XR And one of the augmented reality helmets that was going to carry this software: Project Moohan. Throughout the last months we have been able to see it closely, but not taste it first hand.

During the Google I/O.we have removed that thorn we had nailed. And in addition to trying Google glasses with Gemini, we have also had the opportunity to Try firsthand the viewfinder that Samsung has prepared In collaboration with Google, who put the software, and Qualcomm, who optimize the Snapdragon of its interior. Under these lines we tell you our experience with the device.

Samsung and Google enter a field known for their obstacles

First of all it should be noted that what we could try was a prototype. Quite advanced that glasses with Gemini, yes, but after all a prototype of which we still do not know the release date. These demonstrations organized by Google will serve the company to have a contact on the opinion of the users about the device, so they can still change many things for the launch.

During the test I have been able to check firsthand How Android XR works and what can we expect from this new device which has reminded us a lot of Apple’s proposal. And just see it, it is impossible not to remember the Vision Pro. The exterior design follows very similar lines, although with some elements that differentiate it such as the buttons in the frame and the touch panel on one of the sides. The rear fastening, on the other hand, reminds the Quest Pro goal.

One of the first surprises came just to place them: They are remarkably lighter than one could imagine. The process is very simple: you put them and adjust the pressure by means of a wheel located on the back. In addition, a very interesting detail is that the device automatically detects the separation of your eyes and adjusts the lenses without having to do absolutely anything.

During my test, The feeling was really comfortablealthough I could not take them for hours to check if they end up causing fatigue. It is expected that, as with any device that is carried in the head, prolonged use ends up generating some discomfort, however light it is.

Like the pro vision, these glasses They choose to outsource the batterywhich connects by a cable. This allows to reduce the weight in the head, something fundamental to improve comfort, but implies carrying the battery in the pocket, which is not especially practical. It seems that, for now, this is the only viable solution for this type of devices if we want to prevent them from being excessively heavy.

Another well -taken idea is that I could choose two ways to wear the helmet. We can put the viewfinder next to Silicone pads Located at the bottom, which is isolated completely from the outside world for total immersion, or without them, since they are magnetic and can be easily removed.

Without the pads, we can see part of the environment below the glasses, mixing with what we see on the screens. This option is surprisingly comfortable and nothing annoying, being ideal for moments when we need to be aware of what is happening around us.

The quality of the screens is frankly good, and hence the Samsung lab They feel a bit below the pro vision. The video feed it offers from the outside world has very good quality and feels fluid, although it shows a certain grain that can end up being annoying after prolonged use. We remember, it is not a finished product, so we will have to wait to have them in hand once launched to really see how they develop in this aspect.

Android XR, an still tasteless sauce but with great aspirations thanks to Gemini

The software is quite intuitive and works with gestures similar to those we already know about other proposals such as Quest and Vision Pro. Our hands are the controls: We sail through the interface by pinches to select applications or return to the main menu. We have not had the opportunity to share what we saw through the glasses due to limitations of the test itself, so it is another detail that we sign up for when we try the device in depth.

Android XR is simple and functional, although in its current state it gives the feeling that it still lacks its own personality and identity. However, it is noted that the device is more advanced than the light augmented reality glasses that Google is designing and that they remain a premature prototype, which is logical considering that this helmet It will be launched predictably during this same 2025.

Without a doubt, the strong point of these glasses is the integration of Gemini. The assistant sees and hears everything we when we invoke it, which allows control the device much more comfortable through voice commands.

During my test, I could see how useful it is to be able to interact with the interface without constantly using your hands. For example, when using Google Maps, I could move to different points of the map with simple vocal orders. It is also very practical to ask Gemini to perform any task or interact with any notification, as well as open and close applications.

This feature can make an important difference with respect to the pro vision, since using the hands and keeping the arms in motion for prolonged periods can be exhausting.

I have been able to try several immersive demos on YouTube, and I have to say that the experience is really impressive. On the one hand, we can see videos on a large screen, as expected. However, we also have the option to activate an immersive view, provided it is available. In addition, there is another video mode: those that They use AI to automatically transform and look with 3D reliefwhich offer a much more immersive character. This transformation technique “without doing anything” by the user can be decisive and could be the solution to the lack of specific content.

Street view of Maps is a real joy With the helmet on. Having a 360 degree view of any place in the world is incredibly attractive and can open many possibilities for the future. I could also see aerial views and in 3D of several cities, handling the map with very intuitive gestures.

A great effort to enter an still very premature market

My sensations in general have been positive, but there are several unknowns to solve. On the one hand, you need to see What will be the real identity of Android XR When the product is officially launched. On the other, it remains to be seen if these types of devices will capture the interest of the general public.

Another crucial factor will be the price. Although it has not been officially revealed, the hope that they can cover more land is that the viewfinder is significantly cheaper than the pro vision, which start from the $ 3,499.

The results of its competitors in the market already give us clues about The challenges to those who will face Google and Samsung in this segment. In fact, Gemini glasses reminiscent of Google Glass seem like a much easier to sell and attract If they manage to launch them at a reasonable price. Hopefully, over the coming months, companies show us how all these doubts are going to be resolved. For our part, it is expected to try them in depth once the product is ready for commercialization.

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