At Google I/O, I had the opportunity to try Samsung Project Moohan, an innovative device that shows potential as a legitimate competitor to Apple's Vision Pro.
Samsung's Project Moohan, a mixed-reality headset, was finally demonstrated at the Google I/O press lounge after months of anticipation. The device, which first surfaced in 2024, has been shrouded in mystery, with only a few demos provided to select sites and YouTube channels.
Despite the lack of thorough information, the Project Moohan headset lived up to expectations during the hands-on experience. The headset paves the way for a new generation of devices, boasting seamless hand-tracking controls and the intuitive Gemini navigation system.
Upon trying the headset, the Google representative first checked the wearer's prescription and customized the lenses accordingly. Users can slip the power brick into their pocket, and while it is on the heavy side, adaptability gives users the freedom to walk around without being tethered to a fixed location.
The brief onboarding tutorial introduced users to the selection and movement of virtual objects through pinching gestures. Users can pinch the edge to move a window or the corner to resize it, while pointing the palm toward oneself and pinching serves to pull up the home menu.
For the author, who owns the Quest 3 and has tried the Apple Vision Pro, the controls were instantly familiar and intuitive. Virtual hand outlines closely mirrored real hand positions, resulting in barely any missed inputs. The vibrant and clear full-color camera offered a mixed-reality passthrough experience, allowing users to observe their surroundings during use.
While Samsung has yet to reveal Project Moohan's resolution, rumors circulate that it uses Sony 4K micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 3,552 × 3,840. The headset's output is reportedly as pixel-dense and colorful as expected, although certain applications may seem slightly blurry due to resolution limitations.
Unique features like the integration of Android XR tricks, such as the enhancement of 2D videos with 3D depth and the support for immersive 180° videos, make the headset particularly appealing.
The Android XR software appears to rely heavily on the Gemini navigation system, which can open and navigate apps by itself. The system was responsive and provided helpful information about areas of interest. However, some instances required users to wait for a response, as a result of the system calculating the answer.
The Project Moohan headset is expected to launch officially later in 2025, allowing developers more time to create XR apps tailored for the device. As a premium productivity headset, it is expected to have a strong performance and resolution, on par with the Apple Vision Pro. However, price concerns persist, as it is likely to cost more than a Quest.
While the initial demonstration focused primarily on casual features, it remains unclear whether the headset would be suitable for extended work hours. However, if it pairs well with Bluetooth keyboards and mice for work and features a decent selection of VR games and streaming apps, the Project Moohan remains an attractive prospect for many.
[1] Samsung officially confirming Project Moohan's launch window: [Link to the source][2] Google and Samsung renew their commitment to launch Project Moohan in 2025: [Link to the source][4] Details about Project Moohan's hardware: [Link to the source][5] No official pricing for Project Moohan revealed: [Link to the source]
- The Project Moohan headset, set to launch officially in 2025, promises to revolutionize technology, integrating Android XR features such as enhancing 2D videos with 3D depth and supporting immersive 180° videos, making it an appealing device for many.
- Alongside smartphones and other gadgets, the Project Moohan headset, a mixed-reality device by Samsung, stands out with its advanced features like seamless hand-tracking controls and the intuitive Gemini navigation system, making it a potential game-changer in the realm of technology.
