Samsung is poised to release its inaugural extended reality (XR) headset, internally codenamed Project Moohan, before the conclusion of 2025. This development marks the South Korean technology corporation’s entrance into the mixed reality sector. The announcement follows over a year of speculation and hints regarding Samsung’s XR ambitions.
The launch of Project Moohan occurs amid ongoing discussion regarding Apple’s Vision Pro, a headset priced at $3,500. While the Vision Pro has received both positive and negative feedback, Project Moohan is anticipated to incorporate high-end specifications. The headset is expected to utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, which is engineered for virtual reality applications. Micro OLED displays are planned for visual output. Furthermore, the device will reportedly feature hand- and eye-tracking technology, and will include an external battery pack, similar to the design of the Vision Pro.
A primary differentiating factor of Project Moohan is its operating system. The headset will be the debut device to operate on Android XR, Google’s platform designed for mixed reality environments, which was launched in December. The relative strengths of Android XR compared to Apple’s user interface remain to be evaluated.
Currently a prototype, the XR headset is designed with full integration of Google Gemini, the AI model suite developed by Google. After activation, the AI assistant can visually analyze the wearer’s surrounding environment, dispensing relevant information such as restaurant reviews or immersive Google Earth renderings. The assistant can also generate 360-degree imagery based on user requests.
The pricing structure for Project Moohan remains undetermined. It is likely to be relatively expensive given the premium components of the device. If Samsung provides a price that is lower than that of the Apple Vision Pro, it could influence consumers interested in XR technology but hesitant to purchase Apple’s more costly device. Apple reportedly slowed production of the Vision Pro in October because of low consumer interest. Potential users may believe that wearable XR headsets are not practical for everyday use. If Samsung offers comparable hardware and a functional software platform at a more accessible price, it could establish extended reality as a more mainstream technology.
