After leaks and rumors, Samsung finally gave the world the first look at the company’s upcoming VR headset, codenamed Project Muhan. The device, developed in collaboration with Google, marks Samsung’s first foray into the field of Extended Reality (XR) and was showcased at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, California. With the headset expected to launch in 2025, the South Korean tech giant aims to establish its presence in the VR sector.

Project Muhan will be powered by Qualcomm chipset and run on Android XR, a new operating system developed by Google specifically for XR devices. This collaboration ensures a seamless experience while bringing popular Google features and services to the headset. One such feature is Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, which will give users device controls and access to real-time information based on what they’re looking at. For example, Google Maps is expected to get a futuristic upgrade when experienced in XR, similar to what Apple users experience on the Vision Pro.

Samsung’s VR headset will provide a mixed-reality experience, allowing users to exist in the real world while overlaying virtual elements. Like other XR devices, this one will also offer the option to completely immerse yourself in virtual reality. Samsung is working on creating a headset that is lightweight and ergonomically designed for maximum comfort, although details about its weight and design are still under wraps.

Samsung’s announcement comes as competition in the XR space increases. While the Apple Vision Pro has already set the standard for mixed-reality headsets, it also left room for improvement in areas like pricing and user comfort. Samsung appears to be learning from Apple’s early response to positioning itself as a more accessible alternative.

Despite similarities in functionality with devices like the Vision Pro, Samsung’s headset aims to carve out its own identity by taking advantage of Android XR and Google’s ecosystem of apps. This partnership could prove to be a significant differentiator, providing a familiar and versatile experience to Android users.

Details about Project Muhan are still scarce, as Samsung is presumably fine-tuning the design and finalizing hardware specifications. Some industry insiders speculate that the company is waiting to see how competitors, including Apple, proceed with their products. Reports of Apple Vision Pro 2 development may impact Samsung’s strategy.

With Samsung VR headsets expected to hit the market in 2025, the focus will be on balancing performance, comfort, and cost. Extended reality is still finding its place in the mainstream, and devices that can provide a comfortable and affordable experience are likely to resonate with users.