Samsung’s Android XR Headset to Feature Native Motion Controllers and PC VR Streaming Support

Samsung’s latest reveal has generated buzz, especially among VR enthusiasts and developers, although they’ve been a bit tight-lipped about the full details of their new Android XR headset. However, there are two intriguing tidbits they’re letting slip, and they’re likely to spark some excitement in the VR community.

Next year, Samsung is set to launch this headset, dubbed ‘Project Moohan,’ marking a significant debut for Android XR. My recent hands-on experience with it featured intuitive hand-tracking and eye-tracking inputs, which Samsung assured me are just part of the equation. They’re also rolling out their first-party motion controllers, which will seamlessly integrate with Android XR’s ecosystem.

This news is particularly significant. It means the vast library of VR experiences that hinge on motion controllers won’t need to undergo drastic game design overhauls to make the leap to Android XR. It’s a stark contrast to Apple’s Vision Pro, which doesn’t accommodate motion controllers, creating hurdles for transferring the existing popular VR content to their platform.

Details about Project Moohan’s controllers are still under wraps, with Samsung noting they’ll be ready when the headset launches in 2025. However, they haven’t decided if these controllers will be part of the headset package or sold separately as an accessory, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements as the date approaches.

In a boost for current VR fans, Samsung and Google have also confirmed that Android XR will support PC VR streaming on Project Moohan. This development is exciting because it enables users to stream VR content from a gaming PC directly to their headset, offering access to SteamVR’s rich catalog of high-quality games, complete with advanced graphics and modding options.

Despite this confirmation, specifics are scarce. We still don’t know if Android XR will incorporate native PC VR streaming capabilities, akin to what’s available on Quest, or if it indicates a supportive stance towards third-party streaming apps. It seems the latter might be the route they’re taking, as Virtual Desktop, a top-tier third-party PC VR streaming app, is already in the works for Android XR.

If you’re eager to dive deeper into what Android XR offers, be sure to read the announcement article or check out my firsthand impressions of Samsung’s exciting new headset.