I recently had the chance to try out Samsung’s Project Moohan, an upcoming XR headset developed by Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm. The experience was surprisingly familiar, as if I had tried on the Apple Vision Pro in February 2024. However, I soon realized that Project Moohan has some significant advantages over its competitor.
The most noticeable difference is the software, powered by Android XR, which includes Gemini, a new AI model that impressed me during Google’s I/O conference this week. The home grid of Google apps and Gemini-powered conversations with Siri-like functionality set it apart from VisionOS in Apple Vision Pro.
During my 10-minute demo, I got a clear understanding of how Project Moohan aims to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro. The industrial design drew inspiration from the Vision Pro, but with better materials that made the headset feel lighter and more comfortable.
The XR headset comes with a portable power pack that keeps the system running for two to three hours, depending on usage. While I don’t have strong feelings about this accessory, it suggests that Project Moohan is best used in stationary settings rather than outdoors.
Using Android XR felt intuitive, with navigation gestures and conversational interactions with Gemini being particularly seamless. The ability to call on a reliable AI assistant to help navigate and manage the software is a significant advantage over Vision Pro.
While passthrough was not perfect, I appreciated that the headset didn’t block out light, allowing for a sense of depth and proximity during immersion. Pricing and release date remain unknown, but Samsung’s undercutting of Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro gives me hope that Project Moohan will be more affordable and accessible.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-finally-tried-samsungs-xr-headset-and-it-beats-my-apple-vision-pro-in-meaningful-ways