In the evolving landscape of extended reality (XR) technology, Samsung’s upcoming Project Moohan headset is positioned to potentially outperform Apple’s Vision Pro through several innovative features and strategic design choices. While Apple has set a high standard with the Vision Pro’s premium craftsmanship, Samsung’s collaboration with Google on Project Moohan appears to address key market demands and technological limitations.
At the forefront of Moohan’s advantages is its integration of Google’s Gemini AI, offering a more sophisticated approach to user interaction. Unlike the Vision Pro’s reliance on Siri for basic commands, Moohan’s AI system provides contextual awareness and multimodal understanding of the user’s environment, enabling natural interactions through voice control and environmental recognition.
The control scheme represents another significant departure from Apple’s approach. Where the Vision Pro primarily depends on eye tracking and a physical crown, Moohan implements a versatile multimodal system. Users can interact through:
- Ray pointing for hand control
- Dedicated trackpad surface
- Advanced voice commands powered by Gemini AI
- Hand and eye tracking capabilities
Design innovations also set Moohan apart. The headset features a removable light shield and an optional lower hood for enhanced immersion – addressing common complaints about ambient light interference in XR experiences. The weight distribution focuses pressure on the brow rather than below the eyes, potentially offering superior comfort during extended use.
From a practical standpoint, Moohan’s external battery pack with a removable USB-C cable allows for easy battery swaps, addressing potential concerns about continuous usage. The device’s sensor array, featuring cameras facing all directions, enhances its environmental interaction capabilities.
Perhaps most notably, Moohan’s integration with the Android XR platform and Play Store ecosystem provides access to a vast library of applications, including both traditional Android apps and specialized spatial computing experiences. This broad compatibility extends to peripherals, with seamless support for Bluetooth keyboards and mice.
The partnership between Samsung and Google represents years of investment in AI, AR, and VR technologies, aiming to create a more accessible and unified XR platform. Their collaboration addresses market fragmentation by developing a system that can operate across various hardware configurations.
While pricing details haven’t been officially announced, industry analysts expect Moohan to launch at a more competitive price point than the Vision Pro’s $3,500 tag when it releases in 2025. This pricing strategy, combined with its technical capabilities, could position Moohan as a more accessible option for consumers interested in premium XR experiences.
One of Moohan’s unique features is the “Circle to Search” functionality, where users can simply circle objects in their field of view to initiate searches – a practical application of its advanced AI integration that demonstrates the potential for intuitive interaction in spatial computing.
The development of both the Vision Pro and Project Moohan marks a significant milestone in XR technology, with each device taking different approaches to solving similar challenges. As the market continues to evolve, the competition between these two tech giants could drive further innovation in the XR space, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved features and accessibility.