Samsung recently unveiled its upcoming Android XR headset, and while they’re keeping most of the details under wraps, they’ve let slip a couple of exciting tidbits that have VR fans buzzing.
Dubbed ‘Project Moohan,’ this headset will lead the charge as the first device to feature Android XR when it hits the shelves next year. In a demo, the experience relied solely on hand-tracking and eye-tracking for input, but here’s where it gets really interesting: Samsung has confirmed they’re developing their own motion controllers, fully integrated with Android XR.
This development is a game-changer. It means thousands of VR games that depend on motion controllers can be adapted for Android XR without needing to overhaul their core mechanics. This stands in stark contrast to Apple’s Vision Pro, which doesn’t accommodate motion controllers, leaving many popular VR apps stuck in the limbo of ‘not supported.’
As for the Project Moohan controllers, Samsung remains tight-lipped. We do know they’re slated to be ready come 2025, coinciding with the headset’s release. However, it’s still up in the air whether these controllers will come bundled with the headset or be sold separately.
In another nod to existing VR ecosystems, Samsung and Google have jointly announced that Android XR will permit some form of PC VR streaming on Project Moohan and future headsets. This means users can stream VR content straight from their gaming PCs, opening the gateway to SteamVR’s extensive library, complete with enhanced graphics and mods galore.
Details on how this will be implemented are still thin. It’s unknown if this feature will be baked directly into Android XR or if Google is merely paving the way for third-party streaming apps. The latter seems plausible, as Virtual Desktop—a renowned third-party streaming app—is already in the works for Android XR.
For more in-depth insights, check out the full announcement article and our firsthand impressions of Samsung’s latest device.
