Samsung’s Android XR Headset: A Unique Fusion of Quest and Vision Pro with a Distinctive Edge

Samsung has emerged as the pioneer in unveiling a new mixed reality headset, set to run on the recently introduced Android XR platform. This intriguing device, currently known as "Project Moohan," is anticipated to be available to consumers by 2025, and I had the opportunity to try out an early version.

While Samsung and Google have been reticent about sharing critical specifications such as resolution, weight, field-of-view, or pricing details, and restricted any photography during my hands-on experience, they did release an official image to tide us over for now.

When using Project Moohan, it’s hard not to draw parallels with existing devices like the Quest and Vision Pro, given its similar functionalities. But this isn’t merely a hasty comparison. It borrows heavily from Vision Pro’s aesthetic sensibilities: color schemes, button layouts, and even calibration processes all hint at an awareness of existing products in the market.

On the software spectrum, if you were to envision a fusion between Horizon OS and VisionOS, Android XR would perfectly fit the bill. The resemblances are unnervingly close, as both Project Moohan and Android XR give off vibes akin to these leading headset platforms.

However, this isn’t to suggest Samsung or Google engaged in blatant mimicking. The tech industry is rife with examples of companies cherry-picking compelling ideas from a variety of sources—often refining them in the process. If Android XR and Project Moohan managed to capture what’s laudable from its competitors and sidestep their drawbacks, it’s a victory for developers and users alike.

And by all appearances, Project Moohan does hit many of the right notes.

Exploring Samsung’s Project Moohan Android XR Headset

The design of Project Moohan is undoubtedly appealing. The device echoes the goggle-like visage of Vision Pro yet incorporates a more rigid strap with a tightening dial for enhanced ergonomics, akin to the Quest Pro. This effectively facilitates usage in augmented reality scenarios, complete with detachable blinders for an immersive experience when desired.

Despite its similarities to the Vision Pro, particularly in button placement and design, Project Moohan does not feature an external display for user eye visibility. While Vision Pro’s ‘EyeSight’ display has received mixed reactions, it’s still a feature I find beneficial, and its absence in Project Moohan makes interactions somewhat less engaging from an observer’s perspective.

Samsung has been cagey about technical specifics, maintaining that Project Moohan is a prototype. However, we do know it’s powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor, noted for a superior performance relative to its counterparts in Quest 3 and Quest 3S.

During my testing, I discovered several aspects. The headset integrates pancake lenses with auto IPD adjustments due to its built-in eye-tracking capabilities. Although the field-of-view seems narrower compared to the Quest 3 and Vision Pro, different forehead pad options might allow for eye adjustments enhancing this aspect.

While Samsung confirmed Project Moohan would introduce its own controllers, I didn’t get a firsthand look or feel. It’s still undecided if these will be included with the headset or offered separately.

In terms of input, I explored hand and eye tracking. It surprisingly mirrors a combination of Horizon OS and VisionOS inputs, with features such as raycast cursors and eye-pinching. Downward-facing cameras detect pinches when your hands rest on your lap, adding another layer of convenience.

On wearing the device, what immediately caught my eye was the sharp imagery of my hands projected by the passthrough cameras—more crisp than that of the Quest 3 and with reduced motion blur compared to the Vision Pro during my trial in ideal lighting conditions.

Exploring Android XR

Diving into Android XR, the system closely mirrors a blend of Horizon OS and VisionOS. This includes a home screen with app icons over a transparent scene, similar interface gestures for navigation, and other recognizably cross-platform features.

Android XR hosts a variety of app functionalities, including a VR edition of Google Maps that offers 3D-rendered global locations and interactive Street View imagery. Google hinted at using gaussian splat processing for real-time volumetric space captures, promising improved fidelity with time.

Additionally, Google’s updated Android XR suite for Google Photos auto-converts standard 2D photos and videos into 3D displays. The short glimpse I had suggested a quality on par with Vision Pro’s photo enhancement capabilities.

YouTube’s adaptation for Android XR takes advantage of the platform’s media formats, from flatscreen to 180, 360, and 3D content. The upgrade even extends to converting 2D videos into 3D, though whether this feature will automatically update existing content or require creator involvement remains unclear.

Spotlighting a Unique Edge

What stands out about Android XR and Project Moohan, besides the Google-centric design, is Samsung’s advanced take on conversational AI within the headset. This is where Google’s AI agent, Gemini, steps into the spotlight, particularly its ‘Project Astra’ variant.

Unlike its peers, Gemini doesn’t just hear you—it sees your surroundings continuously, in both real and virtual spaces. This comprehensive environmental awareness, combined with nearly continuous visual feedback, allows it to deliver a uniquely integrated and fluid conversational experience.

Vision Pro’s Siri and the experimental Meta AI on Quest have limitations in visual and conversational synchrony. Gemini, however, offers an ongoing contextual understanding of dialogues and what’s viewed, backed by a rolling memory for past interactions.

One compelling demonstration was Gemini’s live translation of visual text, retaining the linguistic details even after navigating different conversational threads—a testament to its advanced contextual recall.

Ultimately, Gemini on Android XR could redefine headset potential by enabling intuitive spatial productivity, with potential for deeper integration in headsets and, conceivably, smaller wearables like smart glasses. But that’s a story for another day.

The future of AI-infused headsets seems promising, with Google having a clear edge for now. However, the race to innovate is fast-paced, and whether Google will continue to lead is yet to be seen.