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

Samsung has stirred interest with the unveiling of its new Android XR headset, famously known as ‘Project Moohan’. While the tech giant is keeping many details under wraps, there are two significant revelations that will surely excite both VR enthusiasts and developers.

In 2024, Samsung plans to launch Project Moohan as the first headset to integrate Android XR. During our exclusive hands-on session, we explored the device using hand and eye-tracking inputs. However, Samsung has assured us that first-party motion controllers are in the works, designed to seamlessly function with Android XR.

This development holds great promise, as it implies that a plethora of existing VR applications relying on motion controllers can transition to Android XR without a complete overhaul in design. In contrast, Apple’s Vision Pro doesn’t support motion controllers, thereby lacking a smooth transition path for the majority of popular VR content currently available.

Although Samsung hasn’t divulged specifics about the Project Moohan controllers, they are slated to launch alongside the headset in 2025. It’s still a mystery whether these controllers will be bundled with the headset or offered as optional extras.

Another crucial aspect for current VR content is the confirmation from both Samsung and Google that Android XR will feature PC VR streaming on Project Moohan and future headsets. This means users can stream VR content from their gaming PCs to their headsets, accessing a vast library on SteamVR, typically resulting in enhanced graphics and expanded modding possibilities.

Even though this feature is confirmed, precise details are vague. It’s uncertain if “support” implies a native PC VR streaming feature within Android XR similar to the Quest, or if it merely signifies Google’s openness to allowing third-party streaming applications on the platform.

The latter seems more probable, as Virtual Desktop, a well-known third-party app for PC VR streaming, is already under development for Android XR.

For a deeper dive into Android XR, don’t miss the announcement article and our hands-on exploration of Samsung’s innovative headset.