Samsung recently made an exciting announcement about its newest venture into the world of Android XR headsets. While details are still somewhat under wraps, two significant revelations have emerged that are sure to please VR fans and developers alike.
First up, Samsung’s endeavor, dubbed ‘Project Moohan,’ is on track to become the inaugural headset featuring Android XR when it ships next year. During our exclusive hands-on session, we interacted with the headset using hand-tracking and eye-tracking technologies. Yet, Samsung has affirmed plans to develop its own motion controllers as well, which will natively work with Android XR.
This inclusion is particularly noteworthy because it allows a smooth transition for a multitude of existing VR applications that depend on motion controllers, minimizing the need for drastic redesigns. Contrasting this, Apple’s Vision Pro lacks support for motion controllers, creating hurdles for adapting many popular VR experiences to its platform.
Information about the Project Moohan controllers is still sparse, but we do know they’re expected to be ready by the headset’s 2025 launch. Whether they’ll be bundled with the headset or offered as a separate purchase is still under consideration.
On another important note for VR content, both Samsung and Google have confirmed that Project Moohan and subsequent headsets will support PC VR streaming via Android XR. This opens up the possibility for users to stream VR content from a gaming PC to their headsets, tapping into the vast array of games available on platforms like SteamVR. This often means superior graphics and greater modding opportunities.
While the confirmation is there, the specifics are still lacking. We’re left wondering if Android XR will include a native PC VR streaming feature similar to Quest, or if it will simply encourage third-party apps to fill this gap. Early signs suggest the latter, with Virtual Desktop—a leading third-party streaming app—already in development for the Android XR platform.
For a deeper dive into Android XR, make sure to check out our initial announcement and hands-on exploration with Samsung’s innovative headset.
