In recent news, Play for Dream, a Chinese tech company, has been making waves with their new standalone mixed reality (MR) headset, reminiscent of Apple’s Vision Pro. However, unlike mere imitations, this device is garnering its own respect, even earning accolades from former Quest engineers who praise its craftsmanship.
Presently, the headset operates on a customized version of Android. However, Play for Dream has expressed intentions to transition to Google’s Android XR platform in the future. Although they’re in talks about this shift, a fixed timeline hasn’t been established yet.
What does this mean for the MR headset currently on the market? It’s still uncertain whether users will see an update incorporating Android XR or if this change will only apply to future models. With the headset’s release slated for later this month and priced at $1,900, we probably won’t see Android XR before launch. Interestingly, Google’s new platform will first appear in Samsung’s much-anticipated Project Moohan headset, which also lacks a solid release date.
While Play for Dream enjoys recognition in China, it’s still relatively unknown in the US. In a recent exchange with the company, we discovered more about its roots. Established in 2020 by CEO Huang Feng, Play for Dream is backed by Huang’s successes with Wanyoo Esports, Asia’s largest esports café chain, and Bixin, a leading Chinese gaming platform. Together with key figures like Chairman Zong Yuan and CTO Yue Fei, the company employs over 200 people, all without external investments.
Despite past sales in Asia, Play for Dream’s MR headset is specifically targeting the US XR market. Addressing critiques that their design closely mimics Apple’s Vision Pro, a spokesperson clarified, “We didn’t aim to compete with Apple directly. We were inspired by its groundbreaking design, but we’ve worked to develop an Android-based device that’s uniquely ours.”
Though the headset’s design echoes Vision Pro, a notable difference is its inclusion of motion controllers. Launching off a successful Kickstarter campaign in September 2024, which brought in about $300,000 from 215 supporters, the initial units are now reaching backers. For those awaiting a broader release, mark your calendars for the end of March.
A quick note: an earlier version of this report misstated the headset’s price at $1,200, reflecting Kickstarter pricing. The current retail price is indeed $1,900.
