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

Samsung is keeping a tight lid on the specifics of its new Android XR headset but has let slip a couple of exciting details that are sure to please VR fans and developers alike.

Next year, Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ headset will be the debut device to run Android XR. During our exclusive hands-on session, we experienced its impressive hand-tracking and eye-tracking features, but the company is planning on more. They’ve announced the development of their own motion controllers, which will seamlessly integrate with Android XR.

This is a big deal, particularly for existing VR apps that depend on motion controllers. It means these apps can potentially transition to Android XR without having to undergo major redesigns. In contrast, Apple’s Vision Pro doesn’t support motion controllers, posing challenges for porting over popular VR content to its ecosystem.

Samsung has been tight-lipped about its Project Moohan controllers, only promising that they’ll be ready by the headset’s 2025 release. It remains to be seen whether these controllers will be bundled with every headset or sold separately.

In other good news for current VR content, both Samsung and Google have verified that Android XR will accommodate some form of PC VR streaming on Project Moohan and its successors. This feature will enable users to stream VR content from a gaming PC to their headset, thus accessing the vast SteamVR library, which often boasts superior graphics and expansive modding options.

However, precise information on how this streaming will work is still vague. It’s unclear whether Android XR will include a built-in PC VR streaming feature, like the Quest, or if the emphasis is more on supporting third-party streaming apps. The latter seems more likely, as Virtual Desktop, a well-regarded third-party PC VR streaming app, is already being developed for Android XR.

For further insight into Android XR and our firsthand experience with Samsung’s headset, don’t miss our detailed announcement article and hands-on impressions.