Google and Samsung’s Project Moohan Android XR headset isn’t solely new – my colleague Lance Ulanoff already broke down what we knew about it again in December 2024. But till now, no person at TechRadar had the risk to check out it out.
That modified in a while after Sundar Pichai stepped off the Google I/O 2025 degree. I had a short lived however revealing seven-minute demo with the headset.
After scanning my prescription lenses and matching them with a suitable set from Google, they had been inserted into the Project Moohan headset, and I used to be temporarily immersed in a fast moving demonstration.
It wasn’t a complete enjoy – extra a snappy style of what Google’s Android XR platform is shaping as much as be, and really a lot at the reverse finish of the spectrum in comparison to the polished demo of the Apple Vision Pro I skilled at WWDC 2023.
Project Moohan itself feels very similar to the Vision Pro in some ways, regardless that it’s obviously a bit of much less top class. But one facet stood out above all: the mixing of Google Gemini.
“Hey Gemini, what tree am I looking at?”
Just like Gemini Live on an Android just like the Pixel 9 – Google’s AI assistant takes middle degree in Project Moohan. The launcher contains two rows of core Google apps – Photos, Chrome, YouTube, Maps, Gmail, and extra—with a devoted icon for Gemini on the best.
You choose icons via urgent your thumb and forefinger in combination, mimicking the Apple Vision Pro’s major keep an eye on. Once activated, the acquainted Gemini Live backside bar seems. Thanks to the headset’s integrated cameras, Gemini can see what you’re seeing.
In the click front room on the Shoreline Amphitheater, I checked out a close-by tree and requested, “Hey Gemini, what tree is this?” It temporarily known one of those sycamore and equipped a couple of details. The entire interplay felt easy and strangely herbal.
You too can grant Gemini get right of entry to to what’s to your display screen, turning it right into a hands-free controller for the XR enjoy. I requested it to drag up a map of Asbury Park, New Jersey, then introduced into immersive view – successfully losing right into a complete 3-d rendering corresponding to Google Earth. Lowering my head gave me a transparent view beneath, and pinching and dragging helped me navigate round.
I jumped to a cafe in Manhattan, requested Gemini to turn inside footage, and adopted up via soliciting for opinions. Gemini answered with related YouTube movies of the eatery. It was once a compelling multi-step AI demo – and it labored impressively smartly.
That’s to not say the entirety was once flawless. There had been a couple of slowdowns, however Gemini was once simply the spotlight of the enjoy. I got here away short of extra time with it.
Hardware impressions
Though I simplest wore the headset in short, it was once glaring that whilst it stocks some design cues with the Vision Pro, Project Moohan is noticeably lighter – regardless that now not as high-end in really feel.
After placing the lenses, I put the headset on like a visor—the display screen in entrance, and the again strap over my head. A dial on the rear let me tighten the have compatibility simply. Pressing the facility button on best adjusted the lenses to my eyes mechanically, with an inner mechanism that subtly repositioned them inside of seconds.
From there, I used the principle keep an eye on gesture – rotating my hand and tapping thumb to forefinger – to deliver up the launcher. That gesture appears to be the principle interface for now.
Google discussed eye monitoring will likely be supported, however I didn’t get to check out it right through this demo. Instead, I used hand monitoring to navigate, which, as somebody accustomed to the Vision Pro, felt quite unintuitive. I’m happy eye monitoring is at the roadmap.
Google additionally confirmed off a intensity impact for YouTube movies that gave movement parts—like camels working or grass blowing within the wind – a slight 3-d really feel. However, some visible layering (like mountain peaks floating oddly forward of clouds) didn’t moderately land. The similar impact was once implemented to nonetheless photographs in Google Photos, however those lacked emotional weight until the footage had been non-public.
Where Project Moohan sticks out
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The standout characteristic to this point is the tight Gemini integration. It’s now not only a software for keep an eye on – it’s an AI-powered lens at the global round you, which makes the tool really feel truly helpful and thrilling.
Importantly, Project Moohan didn’t really feel burdensome to put on. While neither Google nor Samsung has showed its weight – and sure, there’s a corded energy pack I slipped into my coat pocket – it remained comfy right through my little while with it.
There’s nonetheless so much we wish to be informed in regards to the ultimate headset. Project Moohan is predicted to release via the top of 2025, however for now, it stays a prototype. Still, if Google will get the pricing proper and guarantees a powerful lineup of apps, video games, and content material, this can be a compelling debut within the XR house.
Unlike Google’s previous Android XR glasses prototype, Project Moohan feels way more tangible, with a real release window in sight.
I in short attempted the ones previous glasses, however they had been extra like Gemini-on-your-face in a prototype shape. Project Moohan feels find it irresistible has legs. Let’s simply hope it lands on the proper worth level.
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