After a decade of VR gaming with headsets like the HTC Vive and Meta Quest 3S, I found Samsung's Galaxy XR surprisingly different. While most VR headsets share similar navigation concepts, Android XR uses unique gestures that took some getting used to. The biggest adjustment was recentering my view, which works differently than the standard home button method I'd used for years.

Instead of holding the home button, Galaxy XR uses the right touchpad for recentering. A long-press instantly centers your view and windows, while a double-tap switches between mixed reality and virtual reality modes. This approach actually feels more intuitive once you learn it. Taking screenshots and recording videos also differs from other headsets - you press the volume down and top button simultaneously for screenshots, though oddly there's no quick action for video recording yet.

Other handy features include summoning Gemini with a long-press of the top button for voice commands, and using the headset as a 3D camera with a double-press. The spatial photos and videos capture a depth that regular 2D cameras miss, best viewed back on the Galaxy XR or future Android XR smart glasses. While the learning curve exists, these unique controls make the Galaxy XR feel distinct from other VR headsets I've used.