Samsung Confirms Release of First Android XR Headset in 2025

Samsung officially announced on December 12 that its much-anticipated extended reality (XR) headset, codenamed Project Moohan, will launch in 2025. This device will be the first to run on Google’s newly unveiled Android XR platform, a dedicated operating system for XR devices. Android XR, rooted in the familiar Android ecosystem, promotes spatialized versions of apps, enabling immersive experiences in virtual environments.

The announcement, made during a Google event showcasing Android XR, also offered a teaser image of the headset, which bears a striking resemblance to the Apple Vision Pro. The sleek design features a light shield and a ski mask-like front, reminiscent of Apple’s entry into the XR space.

Collaboration Behind Project Moohan

The development of Project Moohan is a culmination of efforts between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm, a partnership first announced in February 2023 at a Galaxy Unpacked event. Samsung’s role focuses on hardware, Qualcomm provides the processing power, and Google ensures software integration via Android XR.

Qualcomm confirmed that the headset will run on the Snapdragon XR Plus Gen 2 chipset, which boasts significant improvements over its predecessor. It supports up to 4.3K resolution per eye at 90 frames per second and delivers 20% and 15% boosts in CPU and GPU frequencies, respectively. This advanced silicon also powers the Meta Quest 3, underscoring its capability to deliver high-performance XR experiences.

Features of Project Moohan

Samsung describes Project Moohan as “your spatial canvas,” equipped with cutting-edge technologies designed to deliver a seamless XR experience. Some key features include:

-High-resolution displays for vivid visuals.

-Passthrough capabilities, enabling users to switch between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) environments.

-Natural multimodal input, integrating touch, voice, and gesture controls.

The headset will integrate deeply with Google services, offering applications such as YouTube, Google Maps, and even trip planning through Gemini, Google’s advanced AI assistant. Notably absent from Samsung’s announcement is any mention of Bixby, its in-house virtual assistant, signaling a possible shift in focus to Google’s AI ecosystem.

Android XR and Developer Opportunities

Google is leveraging the launch of Android XR to encourage app developers to create XR-compatible versions of their existing applications. Developers will have access to new tools, ensuring that when Project Moohan debuts, users will benefit from a robust library of apps optimized for spatial computing.

While the exact release date for Project Moohan remains unclear, rumors suggest it could be unveiled as early as January 2025 during Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event. This event is expected to coincide with the launch of the Galaxy S25 flagship series, following the pattern of this year’s Galaxy S24 release.