 "Google, Samsung team up for mixed-reality headset and Android XR. to take on Apple's Vision Pro")
The tech world is buzzing as Google and Samsung unveiled their big bet on mixed reality with the Android XR platform and a brand-new headset dubbed Project Moohan. This collaboration, announced on 12 December, aims to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro in the race to dominate the future of immersive technology.
Project Moohan, with its sleek design and cutting-edge features, combines elements reminiscent of Google’s Daydream VR and Apple’s Vision Pro, promising an experience that blends fully immersive and augmented realities.
While there’s no clear release timeline for some teased AR glasses, Samsung and Google confirmed that Project Moohan is slated for a 2025 launch. Developers can already start tinkering with the platform, giving a sneak peek into a future where Android XR could reshape how we interact with the digital world.
Project Moohan: Looking into infinity
The name Moohan, which means “infinity” in Korean, reflects the vast potential of this headset. Designed for a range of extended reality (XR) experiences, it includes eye and hand tracking as well as voice control, setting it apart in the competitive landscape. At its core is Gemini, Google’s generative AI, which provides contextual awareness by interpreting what the user sees and hears. This advanced AI integration is a notable edge over Apple’s Vision Pro, which lacks this level of immersive intelligence.
While Samsung stayed tight-lipped about key specifications like price and battery placement, the design features a grey body, a chrome bezel, and a sleek headband that hints at high-end comfort. Powering it all is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 chip, a proven leader in the world of mixed-reality processing.
Android XR: The platform for immersive experiences
The Android XR platform promises a seamless and customisable interface, ideal for developers and users alike. Demo videos showcased floating app screens and gesture-based interactions, similar to what’s seen in Meta’s Quest or Apple’s Vision Pro. Google is doubling down on native app support, ensuring services like Gmail, Maps, and YouTube deliver a fully immersive experience.
The platform’s flexibility will extend to controllers, enabling precision input for applications and games. While gesture control remains a focal point, this added compatibility broadens the range of potential interactions within the Android XR ecosystem.
AR glasses and the road ahead
Alongside Project Moohan, Samsung offered a tantalising glimpse of AR glasses that could rival existing offerings like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. These glasses, integrated with Google Maps and powered by Gemini, showcased turn-by-turn navigation directly in the lenses. However, their release date remains a mystery.
With big-name collaborators like Adobe, Calm, and Major League Baseball already on board, the groundwork is being laid for a robust XR ecosystem. While 2025 is set to be the launch year for Project Moohan, only time will tell if this partnership can truly make mixed reality mainstream. For now, it’s clear that Google and Samsung are ready to take on Apple and redefine the way we experience the digital and physical worlds.
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