Google has announced Android XR, a new operating system designed for smart glasses and mixed reality headsets. This software is set to launch in 2025. The first device to run Android XR will be a headset developed by Samsung, currently called Project Moohan. The final version of this device is also expected to be released next year.
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Samsung has emphasized that Project Moohan will leverage Android XR to deliver an “extended reality” experience, combining both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). While the company has shared an official image of the device, most of its details remain undisclosed.
So far, Samsung has confirmed that Project Moohan is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform, which was introduced earlier this year. However, other features and specifications of the mixed reality headset are still unknown, as Samsung has not allowed testers to capture photos of the device.
Samsung’s Android XR headset is still in the prototype stage, but all signs suggest that its final design will be very similar. The company has already started distributing the device to partners and developers to help them optimize their applications before it becomes available to consumers.
According to 9to5Google, Project Moohan is primarily made of plastic, which makes it significantly lighter than the Apple Vision Pro. One notable feature is that Samsung’s device can be used with or without a pad that blocks light and external distractions. Additionally, it includes a system that automatically adjusts the screens based on the user’s pupillary distance.
Project Moohan combines elements of the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest Pro, running on Android XR.
The design of the first Android XR headset combines features of the Apple Vision Pro and the discontinued Meta Quest Pro. For its fastening system, Samsung has chosen adjustable firm straps with a knob at the back for a secure fit. The headset is powered by an external battery connected via a USB-C cable.
Project Moohan’s controls are a blend of technologies seen in other mixed reality devices. According to RoadtoVR, the headset includes eye-tracking capabilities and downward-facing cameras that can detect hand movements, regardless of their position.
Users can interact with the interface by focusing on an item on the screen and tapping their thumb and index finger to select it, similar to how the Vision Pro operates. Additionally, virtual “lightning bolt” pointers can be used to navigate the interface, resembling the Meta Quest’s functionality. But there’s more to the story beyond these features.
Samsung’s Android XR headset includes a touchpad-like surface on its right side, allowing users to perform specific actions directly on the device. The company has also confirmed that it is developing standalone controllers. However, it remains unclear whether these controllers will be included with the headset or sold separately.
Key details about Project Moohan, such as the exact number of cameras and sensors, the resolution of its displays, and its field of view, have not yet been disclosed. Additionally, the price of Samsung’s first Android XR-powered device is still unknown, but more information is expected to be revealed in the coming months.
