Marques Brownlee - I Tried Samsung's Secret Android XR Headset!
Samsung and Google have unveiled a prototype VR headset called Project Muhan, which aims to address the fragmentation in the VR and mixed reality market. This headset is the first to run on Android XR, a collaborative effort between Google and Samsung, similar to the Nexus or Pixel for headsets. The device features a high baseline of functionality with a Snapdragon chip, sensors, cameras, and a touchpad, and it supports hand and eye tracking. It also includes an external battery pack with a removable USB-C cable, allowing for flexibility in power sources. The headset's software is its standout feature, offering integration with the Play Store for a wide range of apps and Gemini, a multimodal AI that can interact with the environment and assist with navigation and tasks. This integration allows for a seamless user experience, reducing the need for physical interaction through voice commands. The headset is expected to ship this year, potentially setting a new standard for VR devices with its innovative software and hardware design.
Key Points:
- Project Muhan is a VR headset prototype by Samsung and Google, running on Android XR to unify VR platforms.
- The headset features a Snapdragon chip, sensors, cameras, and a touchpad, with hand and eye tracking capabilities.
- It includes an external battery pack with a removable USB-C cable for flexible power options.
- The software integrates with the Play Store and Gemini AI, offering a wide range of apps and voice-controlled navigation.
- Expected to ship this year, it aims to set a new standard in VR with its innovative design and functionality.
Details:
1. 🆕 Exclusive First Look at Samsung's Project Muhan
- Samsung has begun teasing an unreleased prototype VR headset named Project Muhan.
- The headset is a result of collaboration between Samsung and Google, combining Samsung's hardware prowess with Google's software capabilities.
- The design of the headset resembles a Vision model, suggesting advanced visual features.
- Samsung and Google aim to integrate cutting-edge technology in this VR headset to enhance user experience.
2. 🔗 Bridging VR Fragmentation with Android XR
- The development of a unified platform could address VR and mixed reality headset fragmentation.
- Diverse operating systems like Vision OS and Horizon OS dominate major VR platforms, creating a fragmented ecosystem.
- Numerous new headsets are emerging, especially evident at CES, highlighting the need for a common software solution.
- A unified platform would streamline development and enhance compatibility across devices, benefiting both developers and users.
- The challenges in creating a unified platform include aligning different companies' goals and ensuring widespread adoption.
3. 🛠️ Design and Features of the Prototype
- Google and Samsung have partnered to create the first Android XR headset, aiming to replicate the success of Google's Nexus or Pixel in the headset market.
- The prototype integrates a robust operating system with extensive software features, enhancing the XR experience.
- Despite being unfinished, Samsung plans to ship the headset this year, indicating confidence in its current design and capabilities.
- The collaboration hints at potential future enhancements and iterations, setting a new standard for Android-based XR technology.
4. 🔍 Comparing Vision Pro and Project Muhan
- Project Muhan closely mirrors Vision Pro's design with a light-colored fabric and large reflective glass, but it lacks an external display for showing eyes, which may affect external communication.
- The headset includes a removable forehead rest and magnetic light shield, offering customizable peripheral vision and enhanced comfort, which can improve long-term wearability.
- A back design similar to the Quest Pro features a cup and dial for snugness adjustment, redistributing weight towards the brow for increased comfort during extended use.
- The front metallic frame houses a Snapdragon chip, cooling fans, and an array of sensors and cameras, ensuring high-performance capabilities and potentially richer interactions.
- User interaction is facilitated through a single button, volume rocker, and a touch-sensitive strap, providing intuitive control options that may enhance the overall user experience.
- Insights into user feedback suggest that the lack of an external display might hinder certain interactive experiences, while the customizable design elements are favored for comfort.
5. 🔋 Battery and Hardware Highlights
5.1. Battery Design and Features
5.2. Hardware Design and Integration
6. 📱 Exploring Android XR OS Features
- The Android XR OS emphasizes software features over hardware, similar to Google's Pixel devices, aiming to enhance user experience with its operating system.
- The interface offers a home menu with a scrolling list of apps, settings, and recent apps, promoting easy accessibility and navigation.
- Navigation options include a top button and hand tracking gestures, supported by integrated hand and eye tracking technology, facilitating a controller-free experience.
- The headset is designed for simplicity and sharing, with a one-button lens alignment for different users.
- Windows within the OS can be moved and resized in 3D space using large handles, enhancing flexibility in user interaction.
- Although the demo showcased a controller-free experience, the headset may also support or include controllers, offering diverse interaction methods.
7. 🌌 Play Store and Gemini Integration
7.1. Play Store Integration
7.2. Spatial Apps and Peripheral Compatibility
7.3. Gemini Integration
8. 🤖 Gemini's AI Capabilities
8.1. Gemini's AI Functionalities
8.2. Gemini's AI Limitations and Strategic Edge
9. 🕶️ Evaluating Hardware and Future Prospects
9.1. Hardware Evaluation
9.2. Future Prospects
10. 🛍️ Tech Shopping with Best Buy Sponsorship
- Best Buy offers a comprehensive selection of the latest VR and XR tech products, including The Meta Quest and various VR gaming accessories, positioning itself as a leading destination for VR technology enthusiasts.
- Consumers have the flexibility to shop both in-store and online, enhancing accessibility to these innovative tech products.
- Best Buy's diverse range of VR and XR headsets caters to different consumer needs, ensuring they can find the right fit for their unique experiences.