Samsung has officially revealed its first extended reality (XR) headset, codenamed Project Moohan, designed to compete directly with the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3. Unveiled alongside Google’s new Android XR operating system, the Moohan XR headset is set to redefine mixed reality with advanced features like Google’s Gemini AI assistant and Circle to Search gestures.
Moohan XR: Samsung’s Leap Into Extended Reality
Samsung’s Moohan XR headset, named after the Korean word for “infinity,” will debut in 2025 as a versatile mixed reality device. Powered by Google’s Android XR platform, it is tailored for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications.
- Key Features:
- Google Gemini AI Assistant: Enables seamless interaction and intelligent assistance.
- Optimized Apps: Includes Google Photos, Google TV, and immersive web browsing via Google Chrome.
- Virtual Display Support: Offers an expansive screen experience for videos, photos, and immersive content.
- Gesture-Based Features: Supports innovative gestures like Circle to Search, allowing users to interact intuitively.
- Live Translation: Real-time text translation in the user’s field of view.
- Immersive Google Maps: Explore locations with augmented reality views.
Advanced Display and Passthrough Capabilities
The Moohan XR headset will incorporate state-of-the-art displays, delivering a sharp and immersive experience. It will also support passthrough capabilities, enabling a seamless blend of real-world and virtual environments.
While the Apple Vision Pro boasts Micro-OLED displays with an impressive per-eye resolution of 3,660 × 3,200 pixels, Samsung has yet to reveal the specifics of its display technology.
Collaboration with Google and Qualcomm
The Moohan XR headset is a product of Samsung’s collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, first announced at the Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event. Google confirmed that Android XR, developed in partnership with Qualcomm and Samsung, will power this device.
Additionally, Google revealed partnerships with other companies, including Magic Leap, to expand the XR ecosystem.
Applications and Usability
Samsung’s Moohan XR headset will cater to a variety of use cases:
- Entertainment: Stream videos and view photos on a large virtual display.
- Productivity: Multi-modal input support for tasks in mixed reality.
- Navigation and Exploration: Utilize Google Maps’ immersive AR views for detailed navigation.
- Real-Time Translation: Translate text effortlessly within the wearer’s field of view.
Launch Timeline and Market Positioning
While pricing and exact release dates remain under wraps, the Moohan XR headset is slated to launch in 2025 as the first device running Android XR. This positions Samsung as a strong competitor in the growing XR market, taking on heavyweights like Apple and Meta.
With cutting-edge technology and the promise of an intuitive XR experience, the Samsung Moohan XR headset aims to set a new standard in mixed reality devices. Tech enthusiasts and professionals alike can look forward to this innovative addition to the XR space.
