I finally tried Samsung’s project Moohan Android XR headset, and it was Google Gemini who stole the show
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Google and SamsungThe Moohan Android XR headset project is not entirely new – my colleague Lance Ulanoff has already broken What we knew about it in December 2024. But so far nobody in Techradar had the chance to try it out.
That changed shortly after Sundar Pichai of the Google I/O 2025 Stage. I had a short but revealing demo of seven minutes with the headset.
After scanning my prescribed lenses and matching with a compatible set of Google, they were inserted into the Moohan headset project and I was quickly immersed in a fast demonstration.
It was not a full experience – more a quick taste of what the Android XR platform of Google is, and a lot on the other side of the spectrum compared to the polished demo of the Apple Vision Pro I have experienced with WWDC 2023.
Project Moohan itself feels similar to the Vision Pro in many ways, although it is clearly a little less premium. But especially one aspect was noticeable: the integration of Google Gemini.
“Hey Gemini, which tree do I look at?”
Just like that Gemini Live on an Android like the Pixel 9 – The AI assistant from Google is central to the Moohan project. The launcher contains two rows of Core Google -Apps – Photos, Chrome, YouTubeTickets, gmail and more – with a special icon for Gemini at the top.
You select icons by pressing your thumb and forefinger together, the Apple Vision Pries most important check. Once activated, the well -known Gemini Live Bottom Bar appears. Thanks to the built -in cameras of the headset, Gemini can see what you see.
In the Perslounge in the Shoreline Amphitheatre I looked at a nearby tree and asked: “Hey Gemini, which tree is this?” It quickly identified a type of sycamore and gave a few facts. The entire interaction felt flexible and surprisingly natural.
You can also give Gemini access to what is on your screen and turn it into a hands-free controller for the XR experience. I asked to pick up a map of the Asbury Park, New Jersey, and was then launched in a compelling display – effectively in a full 3D view that seems to fall on Google Earth. Lowering my head gave me a clear view below, and squeezing and dragging helped me to navigate around.
I jumped to a restaurant in Manhattan, asked Gemini to show interior photos and followed by applying for reviews. Gemini reacted with relevant YouTube videos from the Eetcafe. It was a compelling AI demo with several steps and it worked impressively well.
That does not mean that everything was flawless. There were a few delays, but Gemini was easily the highlight of the experience. I got away and wanted more time with it.
Hardware -Imprints
Although I only wore the headset for a short time, it was clear that although it shares some design instructions with the Vision Pro, Project Moohan is noticeably lighter is not that high-end in feeling.
After inserting the lenses, I put on the headset like a visor – the front screen and the rear tire over my head. A dial on the back lets me easily tighten the fit. By pressing the on / off button at the top, the lenses has automatically adjusted to my eyes, with an internal mechanism that she subtly repositioned within a few seconds.
From there I used the main control gesture – turning my hand and tapping the thumb on forefinger – to raise the launching device. That gesture seems to be the primary interface for the time being.
Google mentioned that eye tracking is being supported, but I was unable to try during this demo. Instead, I used hand tracking to navigate what, if someone who was familiar with the Vision Pro, felt somewhat intuitive. I am happy that Eye Tracking is on the route map.
Google also showed a depth effect for YouTube videos that gave motion elements -such as running or grass in the wind -a light 3D feeling. Some visual stratification (such as mountain tops that float strangely to clouds) do not entirely countries. The same effect was applied to stationary images in Google photosBut these missed emotional weight unless the photos were personal.
Where Project Moohan stands out
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The striking function so far is the sleek Gemini integration. It is not just a tool for control-it is an AI-driven lens in the world around you, making the device feel really useful and exciting.
It is important that the Moohan project did not feel heavy to wear. Although neither Google nor Samsung has confirmed its weight – and yes, there is a cord suit that I slid into my jacket pocket – it remained comfortable during my short time with it.
We still have to learn a lot about the last headset. Project Moohan is expected to be launched at the end of 2025, but for now it remains a prototype. Still, if Google gets the prices well and ensures a strong line -up of apps, games and content, this can be a fascinating debut in the XR room.
In contrast to the earlier Android XR glass prototype of Google, Project Moohan feels much more tangible, with a real launch window in sight.
I briefly tried those earlier glasses, but they looked more like Gemini-je face in a prototype form. Project Moohan feels like it has legs. Let’s hope it lands for the right price.
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