Samsung has been seeking the limelight today with the reveal of the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+. With the release of a new smartphone, this does raise the question of if there will be a new version of the Samsung Gear VR headset to match it. Qualcomm appear to have let the cat out of the bag on that front.

Qualcomm has revealed that the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, which allows for a number of advanced features, such as on-device artificial intelligence (AI) and so called ‘eXtended Reality’ or XR.

The immersive technology is powered by the Qualcomm Adreno 630 visual processing system, which allows the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ to introduce room-scale virtual reality (VR) experiences for the Samsung Gear VR, and for 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) controls with simultaneous localisation and mapping, also known as SLAM. The subprocessor is also capable of using ‘Adreno foveation’ which reducing power consumption during VR experiences.

“We are proud to have recently expanded our strategic relationship with Samsung to continue our joint efforts to bring breakthrough mobile experiences to consumers with the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+,” said Alex Katouzian, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Mobile at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Powered by the Snapdragon 845 Mobile Platform, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ is designed to deliver the latest advancements directly to consumers.”

“Samsung is built on a heritage of delivering meaningful innovations and is driven by a commitment to defying barriers,” said TM Roh, Executive Vice President and the Head of Mobile R&D at Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy S9 is built for the way we use our smartphones to communicate and share experiences today, supported by our continuous pursuit for the latest technology with Qualcomm Technologies.”

While a new version of the Samsung Gear VR has not yet been confirmed, the current Samsung Gear VR is only capable of 3DoF, and may not fit the altered dimensions of the new smartphone. VRFocus will bring you further news on developments regarding Samsung’s VR and AR projects.