Google, Samsung show off mixed reality headset dev kit to take on Apple, Meta

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) (GOOGL) and Samsung (OTCPK:SSNLF) jointly unveiled a mixed reality headset developer kit on Thursday that the pair hope will usher in further competition for Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Meta Platforms’ (NASDAQ:META) competing devices.

The headset uses the Android XR (extended reality) operating system, which was showcased and unveiled at a developer event in New York. The new headset is part of Samsung’s Project Moohan (Korean for “infinite”) initiative, intended to further diversify its consumer electronics.

Google added that Sony (SONY) and other companies will use the Android XR operating system for their respective headsets.

Pricing of the new Google-Samsung headset is yet to be determined, but the duo are mindful that Apple’s Vision Pro has been slow to take off, with its $3,499 price tag. Samsung told Bloomberg it is “doing a lot of research on what price point customers will feel comfortable paying.”

Conversely, Meta’s Quest devices start at $299, though they are less powerful than the Vision Pro.

Previous reports have indicated that Apple is likely to sell less than 500,000 Vision Pro units this year and may have “sharply” reduced production of the mixed reality headset since the summer.

The first products based on the Project Moohan (Korean for “infinite”) platform will launch early next year, Google and Samsung said.

In addition, the two companies teased that smart glasses will be a part of the project, though they did not offer a time frame for the product.