Having all my preferred applications displayed right in front of me without the need for hacks or sideloading is an unexpected game-changer.
For several years, Meta has been attempting to persuade Android developers to migrate their applications to the Meta Quest platform. This makes sense since the Quest’s Horizon OS operates on Android, yet most Android developers have not taken up Meta’s attractive offers to transition. Consequently, Quest users primarily utilize their headsets for custom VR games instead of as “the next computing platform,” as envisioned by Zuckerberg and his team.
Due to this, I was not fully convinced that a VR or XR headset could genuinely replace my smartphone or laptop for everyday tasks, but the Galaxy XR has changed my perspective. At the core of the Android XR operating system that powers the Galaxy XR is the Google Play Store. While this might initially appear trivial — after all, most Android devices can access Google’s app store — it turns out that this app store is the essential component that the Galaxy XR needs for success, aligning well with the headset’s strengths.
My recognition of this success began last week. Just as Sony’s State of Play presentation was set to commence, my son inquired if I wanted to join him on Roblox. Although I typically do not need to pay close attention to such presentations — as I am a selective gamer, with only a handful of games truly appealing to me — I was also aware that Sony would likely showcase something inappropriate for him. This was when the multitasking capabilities of the Galaxy XR became the ideal tool for the next hour.
The capabilities of the Play Store
I hadn’t installed Roblox on my Galaxy XR yet, so I quickly launched the YouTube app, positioned it to the side, and started State of Play to ensure I wouldn’t miss any crucial moments. Meanwhile, I opened the Play Store and downloaded Roblox. As the first segment of the Kena sequel trailer wrapped up, I swiftly logged into Roblox using the headset’s integrated iris biometric identification and Google’s outstanding password manager. No hassle with a confusing spreadsheet or password manager. It simply functioned.
As the next trailer began, I activated my GameSir Bluetooth controller and effortlessly paired it with the headset, then entered the Roblox game my son was already participating in. “Whoa, wait, Dad? You’re in the game??” Yep, it just worked, and now I was enjoying quality gaming time with my son while also keeping up with State of Play (and preventing him from witnessing any mature-rated games that might disturb him).
Additionally, the video and the game were displayed on large, adjustable, fully movable screens. I wasn’t straining my neck looking down at my phone to play, nor was I relegated to watching the stream in a minuscule picture-in-picture format on it. The only other headset that provides such an experience is the Apple Vision Pro, which costs twice as much as the Galaxy XR.
I attempted to use all of my Meta Quest headsets in this fashion — including the Meta Quest Pro back in 2022 — but Meta has yet to replicate this experience the way Google and Samsung have achieved. It’s hard to underestimate the value of having all my favorite apps readily available when needed; it’s also the seamless integration with Google services like the password manager and Quick Share that has made this a genuinely functional computing device.
Now, I don’t want to mislead you; I do wish there were more specialized VR games available on this headset, but that’s what my Meta Quest is for. In lieu of that, I’ve also got my PC to wirelessly stream PCVR games from, all of which are now better than ever thanks to two of the Steam Frame’s top features, which are now available on Galaxy XR.
Access the endless canvas
Moving and adjusting windows in Android XR operates surprisingly similarly to a desktop user interface like Mac OS or Windows. You’ll want to keep four points in mind when multitasking with several apps simultaneously:
1. Executing the home gesture always brings up the app drawer. You can launch any app this way.
2. Recent apps can be accessed by holding the home gesture and moving your hand or controller to the right (the three vertical lines icon).
3. Shift any window by gazing or pointing to the edge of the window, then holding and dragging the semi-transparent outline that appears.
4. Adjust the size of any window by gazing or pointing to any of the window’s four corners, then holding and dragging the edge indicator that appears.
Windows can be positioned anywhere in physical space and will remain there even if you stand up and move around. This facilitates taking regular breaks or standing without needing to reconfigure your setup each time.
Any 2D app can be operated side-by-side with other 2D apps, but immersive apps will dominate your viewing area and obscure 2D windows. When an immersive app is active, you can reopen a 2D window by accessing the recent apps.