Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee has provided an insightful overview of Project Moohan, Samsung’s prototype aimed at competing with the Vision Pro.
Though Samsung has previously given other tech journalists the chance to experience it, including 9to5Google’s Abner Li, this marks the first occasion on which video footage has been authorized for sharing…
Our affiliate site received a 30-minute demo last month, with Li expressing admiration for the operating system, equating it to visionOS while incorporating AI features not found on Apple’s headset yet.
All the advancements Google has been developing over the last decade converge in this headset, expected to launch next year. Android XR appears to match visionOS, while introducing exciting, innovative features through Gemini and Project Astra.
MKBHD also highlighted that the integration of AI features distinguishes it most from Vision Pro, attributing this to a “deep collaboration” with Google.
This is the inaugural Android XR headset, representing a considerable partnership between Google and Samsung; akin to the Nexus or Pixel, but specifically for headsets.
He noted that while the hardware shows clear inspiration from Apple, its fit is more comparable to the Quest Pro.
The back design takes cues from the now-discontinued Quest Pro, featuring a cup-like structure around the back of your head accompanied by a dial for adjustment. I noticed that this configuration distributes most of the weight and pressure onto my brow, rather than below the eyes as seen with Vision Pro due to its tendency to sag.
Similar to how Vision Pro can execute iPad applications, this headset can support Android phone and tablet apps, though the unique spatial applications developed for the platform truly enhance each device’s capabilities.
Brownlee pointed out a significant distinction: Project Moohan includes Google’s Gemini chatbot.
You can easily return home and engage with the Gemini feature by pressing its button. It runs a live instance of Gemini in the background, allowing continuous conversational interaction.
Moreover, Gemini is multimodal, meaning in the headset, it recognizes everything you see. You can inquire about objects in front of you, and it will provide responses just as if you took a picture of them with your phone. This includes translating signs, answering trivia, or providing information about your surroundings…
This capability represents a significant leap from the Vision Pro, which lacks any AI functionalities and may not integrate them in the foreseeable future.
Please note that this is currently just a prototype, with Samsung reassuring that a launch is scheduled for later this year. However, one key detail remains undisclosed, namely, the price.
Check out the 12-minute video below.
Screengrab: MKBHD
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