Play for Dream Plans to Incorporate Android XR into Its Standalone OS

Play for Dream, a company based out of China, is making waves in the tech world with its latest creation: a mixed reality headset that bears a striking resemblance to the Vision Pro. This standalone MR headset has been described as a “Vision Pro knock-off” due to its design similarities. However, those who’ve had a chance to experience it firsthand, including a former Quest engineer, suggest it’s not just a cheap imitation but a well-executed piece of technology that stands on its own merits.

Currently, the Play for Dream MR headset runs on a customized version of Android, but the company is considering a shift. They’re in discussions about moving to Google’s Android XR platform—though as of now, there’s no clear timeline for when this transition might happen. This change could occur in future models or might be an update for the current headset post-launch, but that’s still up in the air.

With a price tag of $1,200, the headset is slated for release at the month’s end. It’s quite unlikely Android XR will be part of this launch, particularly since Google has announced that Samsung’s Project Moohan headset will debut with Android XR, and we’re still waiting on that release date.

Play for Dream may be a familiar name in China, but it hasn’t yet gained traction in the U.S. market. During a recent conversation with the company, we delved into its origins. Play for Dream was established in 2020 by CEO Huang Feng, who previously founded Wanyoo Esports, the largest esports café chain in Asia, and Bixin, a prominent gaming platform in China boasting over 60 million registered users. The leadership team also includes Chairman Zong Yuan and CTO Yue Fei, and the company operates with over 200 employees without any external investment.

Although they have successfully sold several headsets across Asia, Play for Dream is particularly focusing the launch of their MR headset on the U.S. XR market. Addressing criticisms about the headset’s resemblance to Apple’s Vision Pro, a company representative clarified, “We weren’t aiming to compete head-on with the Apple Vision Pro. Our device draws inspiration from their design, but we’ve crafted an Android-based product that embodies our distinct vision.”

While visually the headset might echo the Vision Pro, it differentiates itself by incorporating motion controllers, offering a unique edge. The journey of the Play for Dream MR headset began with a Kickstarter campaign that launched in September 2024. It wrapped up a month later, successfully raising around $300,000 from 215 backers.

The first batch of these headsets has begun reaching those initial backers, with a broader public release anticipated by the end of March, according to the company.