Samsung’s upcoming XR headset, codenamed Project Moohan, is making waves before even hitting the shelves. Recently, MKBHD gave us an exclusive first look at this prototype, and while it’s unfinished, it already offers plenty to speculate on. Let’s dive into what this collaboration between Samsung and Google could mean for the future of XR.
What is Samsung XR?
This isn’t just another VR headset. Samsung XR is the first Android-based mixed reality headset, built in partnership with Google. Think of it as the “Pixel” for XR—a reference design showcasing what Android XR can achieve. It’s not only a device but also a platform, with the potential to unify a fragmented XR ecosystem.
Currently, Apple’s Vision Pro runs Vision OS, Meta’s Quest series runs Horizon OS, and other headsets run…whatever they can cobble together. Android XR could change that by offering a standardized OS with robust app support through the Play Store.
It’s strange to me that Samsung didn’t customize Android XR on this headset to match its One UI skin. It still looks and feels like Pixel UI. Hopefully, the company will skin it in the future, let’s say when the headset launches.
Samsung’s Project Moohan Headset: A Familiar Look
Let’s address the obvious: Project Moohan resembles Apple’s Vision Pro. The reflective glass front, light-colored fabric, and even the external battery pack feel inspired. But there are differences.
Unlike the Vision Pro, this headset doesn’t display your eyes externally (thankfully), and it incorporates a modular design with removable magnetic shields for customizable light blocking. It also borrows elements from Meta’s discontinued Quest Pro, such as the back-of-head cup and snug dial adjustment.
Hardware Highlights
The prototype houses a Snapdragon chip, multiple sensors, and cameras for hand and eye tracking. A touchpad on the side strap offers an alternative to gestures. And unlike some other headsets, Samsung made its battery pack external, like the Vision Pro.
The good news is that the battery pack connects via USB-C, making it swappable with third-party power banks. The Vision Pro, by the way, does not use USB-C but a proprietary connector.
Android XR
The real innovation isn’t the hardware—it’s Android XR. Samsung and Google aim to make the XR experience intuitive, flexible, and app-rich. All Play Store apps will work out of the box, unlike the Vision Pro, where only selected apps are available. Spatial apps specifically optimized for XR, like YouTube and others are also available.
Gemini and Circle to Search
One standout feature is Gemini, Google’s AI assistant integrated deeply into the system. Unlike Apple’s Vision Pro, which lacks AI functionality, Gemini can navigate the UI, control apps, and provide contextual assistance based on what you’re seeing. It’s not perfect—MKBHD noted some bugs—but it’s looking promising.
Circle to Search is also available on the headset. Hold down the top button, pinch your fingers, and trace a circle around an object in your view—voila, Google Search identifies it. While it’s still buggy (it sometimes grabs a screenshot of your hand), it’s great to see Samsung and Google pushing helpful AI features from the start.
Android XR Could Change XR Forever
Project Moohan isn’t just about creating the headset hardware, it’s more about setting the stage for an ecosystem. The combination of Android XR, Gemini, and features like Circle to Search hints at an ecosystem designed to be open, flexible, and user-focused, just like Android.
Building an OS is not an easy task, particularly for a headset. Google and Samsung doing the hard part for the rest of the companies to be able to use their hardware should be able to make Android XR headsets more affordable and accessible.
Instead of locking users into a walled garden (cough… Vision Pro… cough), Samsung’s approach invites more players into the XR space, from developers to hardware makers. This means that we’ll soon see more affordable versions of these headsets, powered by Android XR.
Samsung XR Pricing and Availability
Pricing and availability are still under wraps (hopefully, it will be available in India too), but the focus on creating an open ecosystem suggests this isn’t meant to be a one-off premium product. And if you are wondering, Samsung is aiming to launch the headset by the end of this year. Instead, it’s likely the starting point for a range of devices at different price points. Samsung XR isn’t perfect—it’s still a prototype, after all. But it’s already showing us how XR can evolve.
You can watch MKBHD’s full coverage here.
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