The technology industry is taking a leap forward with the emergence of mixed reality (MR) systems, combining virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create richer, more immersive user experiences. Following advances by major players such as Apple and Meta, Samsung and Google have unveiled their own collaboration, Project Moohan, to develop a cutting-edge mixed reality headset.

Mixed reality integrates VR and AR technologies, offering users interactive experiences that blend the real and virtual worlds. MR aims to deepen engagement and revolutionize the way people interact with digital environments.

Samsung’s Project Moohan, which translates to "infinity" in Korean, will operate on a new Android XR operating system designed to power next-generation portable devices, such as smart glasses and headsets. The headset is set to launch in 2025, with no price details disclosed yet.

The mixed reality system will offer users a variety of features:

• Detailed Location Viewing: Powered by Google Maps, users can explore locations with enhanced visuals.

• Entertainment Integration: The headset supports video streaming via YouTube.

• AI Travel Assistance: The Google Gemini AI chatbot provides travel planning capabilities.

“XR technology is at a turning point, with multimodal AI enabling natural and intuitive ways to integrate technology into our daily lives,” said Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google.

Samsung and Google’s entry into mixed reality comes as other tech giants also develop similar products.

• Apple launched its Vision Pro headset in 2024, priced at $3,500, promising revolutionary experiences. However, initial sales fell short of expectations due to concerns over comfort and functionality. Reports suggest Apple may shift focus to a more affordable version of the device.

• Meta has partnered with Lightstorm Vision, led by filmmaker James Cameron, to explore MR applications, showcasing the increasing competition in this space.