Samsung has recently provided an exclusive first look at its unreleased mixed reality headset, known as Project Moohan. Until now, no one outside the company had been allowed to see it publicly. This new device, developed in collaboration with Google, bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Vision Pro, but it aims to be much more than just a competitor.
A Unified Solution for the Fragmented XR Market
Currently, the mixed reality and virtual reality market is highly fragmented. Apple’s Vision Pro operates on visionOS, while Meta Quest runs on Horizon OS. Beyond these major players, countless other headsets exist, each running different software. Project Moohan is positioned as the first Android XR headset, offering a unified software ecosystem developed through a deep partnership between Samsung and Google. Think of it as the Pixel of headsets—a reference platform designed to set a high standard for the industry.
Design and Build
Although still a prototype, Samsung has confirmed its intention to launch the headset this year. Its design strongly resembles the Vision Pro, featuring light-colored fabrics and a reflective glass front panel. Unlike Apple’s headset, however, it does not display the user’s eyes externally. Samsung has included a removable forehead rest and a magnetic light shield, which can be attached to the bottom to block out external light or left off to maintain peripheral vision.
The back of the headset is reminiscent of the now-discontinued Meta Quest Pro, featuring a rear cup and an adjustable dial for fit. Unlike Vision Pro, which places more weight on the lower part of the face, Project Moohan distributes pressure to the brow, making it more comfortable for extended wear.
Hardware and Controls
All the essential components are housed in a slim metallic frame at the front. The device runs on a Snapdragon chip and includes cooling fans with exhaust vents. It has a single button on the top right, a volume rocker on the top left, and multiple sensors and cameras for tracking. A touchpad is built into the right strap for additional controls.
One notable similarity to the Vision Pro is the use of an external battery pack connected via a cable. However, Samsung has introduced a key difference—the battery cable is detachable and uses USB Type-C, allowing users to swap it for larger or third-party batteries.
Android XR: The Real Star
While the hardware is impressive, the most significant aspect of Project Moohan is its software—Android XR. Google and Samsung have approached this headset similarly to their Pixel strategy: leveraging software to set it apart from competitors.
The interface includes a home menu with a scrolling list of apps, quick settings, and recent apps. Instead of a digital crown, users can return to the home screen by pressing the top button or using a hand gesture. The headset supports both hand and eye tracking, eliminating the need for controllers—though it remains compatible with them.
Play Store and Gemini AI Integration
A major advantage of Android XR is its seamless compatibility with existing Play Store apps, including those designed for phones and tablets. Apps dynamically adjust to different window sizes and aspect ratios within the XR environment. Additionally, Google has developed spatial apps optimized for headsets, such as an immersive version of YouTube.
Another standout feature is Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, which is fully integrated into the headset. Users can interact with Gemini via voice commands, allowing for hands-free navigation, window management, and app control. The assistant is multimodal, meaning it can “see” what the user sees and provide contextual information. For example, it can translate signs, answer questions about objects in the user’s field of view, or navigate Google Maps with voice commands.
A particularly interesting feature is “Circle to Search,” where users can circle an object in real life using a hand gesture, prompting the headset to conduct a Google search on that item. While still somewhat buggy, this function showcases Google’s vision for intuitive search in augmented reality.
Performance and User Experience
The display quality and field of view are solid, though not groundbreaking. Visual sharpness is slightly below that of the Vision Pro but still impressive. The removable light shield enhances comfort by allowing users to maintain peripheral vision. The device also supports Bluetooth peripherals, making it easy to switch between hand gestures, a keyboard, or a mouse.
One of the most notable benefits of Gemini’s integration is the reduction of physical effort required for navigation. Instead of using precise hand movements and pinches, users can simply give voice commands to organize windows, find locations, or interact with apps, minimizing fatigue over extended use.
The Future of Android XR
Project Moohan represents a major step forward for Google’s Android XR platform, marking the company’s first new OS in over a decade. The headset’s combination of powerful software, AI-driven assistance, and Play Store compatibility positions it as a strong alternative to Apple’s Vision Pro.
While Samsung has not disclosed pricing, the headset is expected to be positioned as a premium device. More importantly, it paves the way for a new ecosystem of Android XR headsets at different price points, similar to how Android smartphones range from budget to flagship models.
With the launch of Project Moohan, Samsung and Google aim to unify the fragmented mixed reality market and accelerate the development of XR applications. As this ecosystem expands, Android XR could become a dominant force in the next generation of spatial computing.
Stay tuned for more updates as Project Moohan nears its official release.
