Published on: December 13, 2024 / Update from: December 13, 2024 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Samsung and Google announce mixed reality headset 'Project Moohan' to compete with Apple's Vision Pro - Image: Samsung
Tech alliance of giants: That's what's behind Samsung and Google's bold XR project
Vision Pro in sight: What makes the headset from Samsung and Google so special
Samsung and Google recently announced their ambitious project, which is being developed under the code name “Project Moohan”. This is a mixed reality headset that is intended to compete directly with Apple's Vision Pro. This strategic collaboration combines Google's extensive software expertise in Android XR technologies with Samsung's many years of experience in developing high-quality hardware. The aim is to bring a product onto the market that is not only technically convincing, but also appeals to a broader audience and sets new standards in terms of comfort, versatility and user-friendliness.
“We want to create a mixed reality experience that is intuitive, fun and enriches everyday life,” emphasized representatives from both companies at an internal presentation. This announcement marks an important milestone in the rapidly growing world of immersive technologies and shows that established tech giants are ready to join forces to prevent the premium market leader from going away without a fight.
Technological fundamentals and hardware design
Project Moohan is based on a custom Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset optimized for mixed and augmented reality applications. The hardware is based on technologies already known from devices such as Metas Quest 3, but supplements these with additional performance reserves, which are particularly advantageous in the area of artificial intelligence and sophisticated graphic displays. The cooperation with Qualcomm is intended to ensure particularly smooth frame rates, low latency and high energy efficiency.
A key aspect is ergonomics. According to internal information, the headset is said to be lighter and more comfortable than many current competing products. The pancake lenses used are significantly thinner and lighter than conventional Fresnel lenses, which can significantly increase wearing comfort. An external battery is also planned, which is connected via USB-C. This design decision is intended to optimize weight distribution, as the battery module can be stored in a bag or attached to a belt clip, for example. This means there is less weight directly on the user's head. “We want a headset that you can easily wear for long periods of time without feeling restricted or tired,” said the development team.
Another technical highlight is the field of vision. While many previous VR and AR headsets offer a rather limited viewing angle, Project Moohan is intended to deliver a significantly expanded field of view (FoV), enabling a more immersive experience. In addition, according to internal plans, you can switch between a fully immersive VR mode and an AR mode in which digital objects are overlaid on the real environment. This significantly expands the application scenarios, from productive tasks in the home office to interactive games in the home or even outdoors.
Software integration and Android XR platform
On the software side, Samsung relies on Google's newly developed Android XR operating system. This operating system is designed to run mixed reality applications smoothly while supporting a wide ecosystem of apps and services. What is particularly exciting here is the integration of the Google Gemini AI assistant. “Artificial intelligence will not just be a gimmick, but a core part of the user experience,” explain those involved in the project. The assistant is intended to provide context-related assistance, make recommendations and provide support in both private and professional environments. The vision is that users simply give commands with a glance and gesture and the AI responds without the need for complicated input methods.
The Android XR ecosystem is intended to support both specially adapted mixed reality apps and traditional Android applications. The ability to easily integrate existing apps promises a smooth transition from smartphone and tablet worlds to the mixed reality environment. For example, one could imagine using Google Maps in an AR version to display navigation instructions directly in the field of vision, or displaying Google Photos in a virtual gallery in which images and videos are viewed on large, virtual screens.
There are also plans to create an attractive development ecosystem for third-party providers. “We want to get developers on board from the start to ensure a diverse range of applications,” emphasized representatives of the two companies. In addition to creative tools for designers, architects and artists, the focus will also be on professional applications for office environments, educational institutions and the healthcare sector. The idea behind it: Mixed reality should not just be limited to games and entertainment, but should grow into a tool for many areas of life.
Interaction options and user-friendliness
When it comes to control, Project Moohan consistently relies on intuitive forms of interaction. Similar to Apple's Vision Pro, the headset offers eye tracking and hand tracking so users can navigate menus and select objects using just their gaze, slight gestures or hand movements. “We want to make the interaction so natural that you no longer notice that you are using a technical device,” said the developers.
To increase productivity in professional scenarios, the headset will also be compatible with various input devices. Bluetooth keyboards, mice or special controllers can be connected to facilitate text entry or complex workflows. This flexibility can pay off particularly in the area of creative work, such as designing 3D models or editing videos.
One outstanding feature that stands out compared to the competition is the integration of social and sharing functions. Users should be able to easily share content that they create, discover or consume in the mixed reality environment with others. Whether it's screenshots, short video clips, work documents, or entire virtual environments, Project Moohan aims to seamlessly integrate social interactions into the immersive world.
Collaboration and market strategy
The cooperation between Samsung and Google is not only a technical alliance, but also a strategic response to developments in the mixed reality market. With the Vision Pro, Apple has set a benchmark that is unparalleled in terms of quality, functionality and media attention. However, the Vision Pro is hardly affordable for many potential customers due to its high price. This is where Samsung and Google come in: They want to offer a competitive device that is technologically on par but appeals to a broader target group in terms of price.
“Our approach is to take mixed reality out of its niche and make it a mass phenomenon,” emphasized a representative of the project team. This step could significantly revitalize the market and encourage both developers and consumers to get more involved in the area. The more providers there are in the field, the more diverse and affordable the devices and applications become.
In recent years, Apple, Meta and other big names have laid the foundations for mixed reality to really come into focus. Now Samsung and Google want to continue on this path and set new standards. At the same time, it's about a certain pioneering spirit: Although both companies have experience in the mobile sector, in consumer electronics and in the software sector, the interface between the real and virtual world is still relatively new territory. There is room for innovation, creativity and technical advances that have the potential to fundamentally change everyday life.
Usage scenarios and integration into everyday life
Project Moohan is intended to appeal not only to technology enthusiasts, but also to the average user. From educational applications that virtually visit historical sites and present interactive learning content to fitness programs that offer motivating workouts in virtual landscapes - the range of use cases is enormous. Collaborations with partner companies are also conceivable in order to establish mixed reality in retail or industry. Virtual showrooms in which customers can view products from all sides or interactive training courses for employees are just a few examples.
In addition, the headset could be closely integrated with the existing Samsung ecosystem. Users who already own a Samsung smartphone, tablet or smart TV could benefit from smooth synchronization. Imagine sitting in your living room, wearing the Project Moohan headset, viewing the contents of your Galaxy smartphone on a virtual screen or retrieving documents from the cloud to edit them in an AR environment. “We want our customers to be able to seamlessly integrate the new possibilities that mixed reality offers into their everyday lives,” is the vision of the developers.
Challenges and outlook
As ambitious as the project is, the challenges are just as demanding. The perfect interaction of hardware, software and user guidance requires close coordination. Samsung and Google can benefit from their many years of experience here: Samsung has made a name for itself with its Galaxy ecosystem and Google is present on billions of devices with Android, the Play Store and countless services. Still, it's a step into the unknown, as mixed reality is still an evolving market with plenty of room for experimentation and innovation.
Privacy and security will also play a big role. Since mixed reality devices potentially record a wide range of personal information, such as gaze directions, gestures and movements in space, the topic of responsible data handling will come to the fore. The developers want to ensure that user privacy is maintained and sensitive data is protected. This will be a key issue not only legally but also morally.
A look into the future shows that mixed reality is not just a passing trend. The merging of the real and digital worlds will change the user experience of entertainment, work and education in the long term. While Apple is pushing into the premium class with the Vision Pro, Project Moohan could ensure that mixed reality becomes established across a wider range of devices and price ranges.
The cooperation between Samsung and Google makes it clear that the market is in an exciting phase of change: “We are only at the beginning of a new era of technology,” is the optimistic assessment of an executive involved in Project Moohan. The result of this partnership could soon enable millions of people to experience mixed reality in entirely new ways. The race for supremacy in the next generation of computers, displays and digital interactions has begun - and Project Moohan is stepping up to make a difference.
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