Samsung Electronics updates Galaxy XR OS with eye tracking and stronger security

[Financial News] Samsung Electronics announced on the 8th that it will roll out a software update for the Android XR operating system (OS) for its Galaxy XR extended reality (XR) devices.
Android XR is a dedicated XR platform jointly designed by Samsung Electronics and Google.
With this update, the XR version of Android Enterprise, a management and control system for Android devices used in corporate environments, will be applied to Galaxy XR for the first time.
Through this system, companies can use various initial setup methods such as Android Zero-touch enrollment and QR code recognition to configure devices quickly and easily without complex settings.
This allows tens or even hundreds of Galaxy XR devices to be set up and managed swiftly and efficiently.
Corporate administrators can remotely control password policies, Wi-Fi settings, and device usage restrictions from a central console, and can lock Galaxy XR devices or wipe their data when necessary.
Managed Google Play, which enables easy distribution of enterprise apps to multiple devices, is also supported.
Companies can quickly deploy customized work solutions on Galaxy XR, while users can work in a stable security environment. As a result, the devices are expected to be used more efficiently across a wide range of industries, including education, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.
Beyond enterprise features, Samsung Electronics is also updating functions to improve the general user experience. To provide an optimized work environment, the update adds a feature that lets users save the height, distance, and position of the virtual keyboard in their preferred layout.
A new desktop workspace restoration feature has also been added. Even after rebooting Galaxy XR, users can resume work with up to three previously used apps remaining in place on the screen.
Usability in passthrough mode, where users can view both the real-world environment and virtual screens, has been improved as well. With a screen alignment assistant, users can easily align virtual screens along walls, making it more comfortable to view and use content.
Accessibility features have been enhanced too. By adding single eye-tracking and customizable pointer settings, the update makes Galaxy XR more convenient for users with diverse physical conditions. A new "Auto Specialization" feature, added to the "Labs" section where users can try out experimental functions in advance, converts 2D content from the Google Chrome web browser and YouTube into immersive 3D videos and photos for a more lifelike viewing experience.
Starting with this release, Samsung Electronics plans to provide software updates for the Android XR platform for up to five years.
Choi Jae-in, Executive Vice President and head of the XR R&D Team at Samsung Electronics’ MX (Mobile Experience) Business Division, said, "XR is more than just hardware; it is a platform that builds a new ecosystem of experiences," adding, "Through support for Android Enterprise, Samsung Electronics will help companies reliably scale XR-based solutions, while continuously advancing a wide range of user experiences in work, exploration, and entertainment."

mkchang@fnnews.com Jang Min-kwon Reporter