Samsung recently teased its new Android XR headset, and while details are scarce, two key announcements have already sparked excitement among VR fans and developers.
Dubbed ‘Project Moohan,’ Samsung’s headset is set to be the first to feature Android XR when it hits the market next year. During our exclusive hands-on session, the device utilized hand-tracking and eye-tracking for input, but Samsung assured us that they are also working on first-party motion controllers. These controllers will be seamlessly integrated with Android XR, a move that is likely to please developers relying on motion controls for their VR applications.
This integration is significant because it could potentially allow a vast array of existing VR games and apps to transition to the Android XR platform without major redesigns. Unlike Apple’s Vision Pro, which doesn’t accommodate motion controllers, Samsung’s approach could pave the way for effortlessly bringing popular VR content to Android XR.
While specifics about the Project Moohan controllers are under wraps, Samsung has promised they will launch alongside the headset in 2025. However, it’s still up in the air whether these controllers will be packaged with the headset or sold separately.
Another exciting development is the confirmation that Android XR will support some form of PC VR streaming on Project Moohan and other future headsets. This means you might be able to stream VR content from your PC to the headset, tapping into the expansive library available on platforms like SteamVR, which offers richer graphics and extensive modding options.
Although confirmed, the specifics of this PC VR streaming feature are still a bit murky. It’s unclear if Android XR will come with an intrinsic PC VR streaming feature—similar to what Quest offers—or if it will merely allow third-party apps to provide this functionality. It seems to be leaning toward the latter, as Virtual Desktop, a prominent third-party PC VR streaming app, is already in development for Android XR.
For more insights into Android XR and a closer look at the Samsung headset, be sure to check out the announcement article, along with our detailed hands-on review.
