Samsung’s Project Moohan XR headset is an experimental project rather than a long-term product. The XR (Extended Reality) headset, set to launch soon, is named Project Moohan, but Samsung has made it clear that it does not plan to release additional XR headsets in the near future.
Instead, the project will be used to assess consumer interest in XR technology.
Similar to Meta’s Orion smart glasses, Apple’s upcoming AR glasses, and Google’s experiments in the field, Samsung is exploring the future of smartphones through immersive technologies. These companies are all betting that AR smart glasses will eventually replace traditional smartphones, especially with the growing influence of modern AI.
Samsung’s strategy behind Project Moohan is clear: they want to gauge if there’s enough consumer demand for a device like this. If there is significant interest, the company may decide to invest further in AR smart glasses development.
However, several factors could impact consumer interest in XR technology, such as the availability of immersive content, the comfort level of the devices, and, of course, their price. Fortunately, the headset will be powered by Google’s new Android XR operating system, so there will be no shortage of apps and content to explore.
One of the main points of comparison for Samsung’s Project Moohan is Apple’s Vision Pro. Despite its high-end features, the Vision Pro struggled to sell well, even in enterprise settings, largely due to its steep price tag and lack of practical use cases. The device retailed for $3,499, and many VR enthusiasts found it difficult to justify that cost.
Samsung is likely to learn from the Vision Pro’s mistakes, keeping the cost more reasonable by eliminating redundant technologies. For instance, features like the “EyeSight” exterior display on Apple’s headset contributed to the high price. Samsung’s goal is to avoid making the same errors while still offering a functional and affordable product.
Meta has plans to release a consumer version of their Orion smart glasses by 2027, and Apple’s Tim Cook is determined to launch a similar product before then. There is a real concern that if Project Moohan fails to generate interest, Samsung may abandon its AR glasses ambitions altogether. Should Samsung step back, it could signal a major setback for the XR industry as a whole, possibly causing others to follow suit and stalling innovation.