I finally tried Samsung's Project Moohan Android XR headset, and it was
Google Gemini that stole the show
Date:
Wed, 21 May 2025 05:44:15 +0000
Description:
Just after the main Google I/O 2025 keynote wrapped, I finally got to go hands-on with Project Moohan the first Android XR headset prototype from Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm and Gemini AI was the most impressive part.
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Google and Samsungs Project Moohan Android XR headset isnt entirely new my colleague Lance Ulanoff already broke down what we knew about it back in December 2024 . But until now, no one at TechRadar had the chance to try it out.
That changed shortly after Sundar Pichai stepped off the Google I/O 2025
stage . I had a brief but revealing seven-minute demo with the headset.
After scanning my prescription lenses and matching them with a compatible set from Google, they were inserted into the Project Moohan headset, and I was quickly immersed in a fast-paced demonstration.
It wasnt a full experience more a quick taste of what Googles Android XR platform is shaping up to be, and very much on the opposite end of the spectrum compared to the polished demo of the Apple Vision Pro I experienced at WWDC 2023.
Project Moohan itself feels similar to the Vision Pro in many ways, though
its clearly a bit less premium. But one aspect stood out above all: the integration of Google Gemini . Hey Gemini, what tree am I looking at? (Image credit: Future)
Just like Gemini Live on an Android like the Pixel 9 Googles AI assistant takes center stage in Project Moohan. The launcher includes two rows of core Google apps Photos, Chrome, YouTube, Maps, Gmail, and morewith a dedicated icon for Gemini at the top.
You select icons by pressing your thumb and forefinger together, mimicking
the Apple Vision Pros main control. Once activated, the familiar Gemini Live bottom bar appears. Thanks to the headsets built-in cameras, Gemini can see what youre seeing.
In the press lounge at the Shoreline Amphitheater, I looked at a nearby tree and asked, Hey Gemini, what tree is this? It quickly identified a type of sycamore and provided a few facts. The whole interaction felt smooth and surprisingly natural.
You can also grant Gemini access to whats on your screen, turning it into a hands-free controller for the XR experience. I asked it to pull up a map of Asbury Park, New Jersey, then launched into immersive view effectively dropping into a full 3D rendering akin to Google Earth. Lowering my head gave me a clear view below, and pinching and dragging helped me navigate around.
I jumped to a restaurant in Manhattan, asked Gemini to show interior photos, and followed up by requesting reviews. Gemini responded with relevant YouTube videos of the eatery. It was a compelling multi-step AI demo and it worked impressively well.
Thats not to say everything was flawless. There were a few slowdowns, but Gemini was easily the highlight of the experience. I came away wanting more time with it. Hardware impressions (Image credit: Google)
Though I only wore the headset briefly, it was evident that while it shares some design cues with the Vision Pro, Project Moohan is noticeably lighter though not as high-end in feel.
After inserting the lenses, I put the headset on like a visorthe screen in front, and the back strap over my head. A dial at the rear let me tighten the fit easily. Pressing the power button on top adjusted the lenses to my eyes automatically, with an internal mechanism that subtly repositioned them
within seconds.
From there, I used the main control gesture rotating my hand and tapping thumb to forefinger to bring up the launcher. That gesture seems to be the primary interface for now.
Google mentioned eye tracking will be supported, but I didnt get to try it during this demo. Instead, I used hand tracking to navigate, which, as
someone familiar with the Vision Pro, felt slightly unintuitive. Im glad eye tracking is on the roadmap.
Google also showed off a depth effect for YouTube videos that gave motion elementslike camels running or grass blowing in the wind a slight 3D feel. However, some visual layering (like mountain peaks floating oddly ahead of clouds) didnt quite land. The same effect was applied to still images in Google Photos, but these lacked emotional weight unless the photos were personal. Where Project Moohan stands out @techradar
original sound - TechRadar
The standout feature so far is the tight Gemini integration. Its not just a tool for control its an AI-powered lens on the world around you, which makes the device feel genuinely useful and exciting.
Importantly, Project Moohan didnt feel burdensome to wear. While neither Google nor Samsung has confirmed its weight and yes, theres a corded power pack I slipped into my coat pocket it remained comfortable during my short time with it.
Theres still a lot we need to learn about the final headset. Project Moohan
is expected to launch by the end of 2025, but for now, it remains a
prototype. Still, if Google gets the pricing right and ensures a strong
lineup of apps, games, and content, this could be a compelling debut in the
XR space.
Unlike Googles earlier Android XR glasses prototype, Project Moohan feels far more tangible, with an actual launch window in sight.
I briefly tried those earlier glasses, but they were more like Gemini-on-your-face in a prototype form. Project Moohan feels like it has legs. Lets just hope it lands at the right price point. You might also like The 13 biggest announcements from Google I/O 2025 Google Gemini 2.5 just got
a new 'Deep Think' mode and 6 other upgrades Google Beam could change your video calls forever with glasses-free 3D and near real-time translation
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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/project- moohan-hands-on
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