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Samsung's recently teased prototype VR headset, Project Moohan, represents a significant leap forward in the world of XR (extended reality) hardware, particularly from the perspective of an architectural visualization artist. This collaboration with Google introduces a new Android XR system that could help solve some long-standing issues in VR and mixed-reality platforms, especially fragmentation. For artists who rely heavily on VR for rendering immersive environments, this headset’s features could be game-changing. Let’s take a deeper dive into what Project Moohan offers for the arch viz community.

This article is based on Marques Brownlee's latest video with his impressions on a closed demo hosted by Samsung. You can watch the original video .

At first glance, the Project Moohan headset has a familiar look, with a design that draws obvious inspiration from Apple's Vision Pro. The light-colored fabrics and large reflective glass piece make it visually similar, but Samsung has avoided some of the Vision Pro's quirks, such as the external eye screen, which could be distracting in professional settings. For arch viz artists who often wear headsets for extended periods, this could be a crucial detail, as it suggests less distraction and a more comfortable user experience.

The headset’s design includes a removable forehead rest and a magnetic light shield that could appeal to those who require a balance between total immersion and peripheral awareness. In arch viz, these small adjustments can be vital. The ability to control the level of immersion and maintain situational awareness while navigating a virtual environment is a feature that could benefit users working on large-scale visualizations or collaborating in multi-user sessions, as well as during client presentations.

The most significant draw for arch viz artists is the Android XR operating system that powers this headset. The platform offers the flexibility of Android’s Play Store, meaning that any apps built for Android can work seamlessly within this XR environment. This opens the door for architects and visualization specialists to use existing apps for their work, potentially eliminating the need to adopt proprietary systems that can come with steep learning curves or compatibility issues.

Additionally, Android XR supports both phone and tablet apps, meaning tools for 3D modeling, rendering, and project management that are already used on these devices could be easily integrated into the headset experience. This could allow for more fluid workflows, as artists could seamlessly transition between mobile and headset environments without the need for additional software updates or complex syncing procedures.

However, the standout feature for many will likely be the Gemini integration. This feature allows users to engage with the headset through voice commands, enabling a hands-free experience. For an arch viz artist, this could significantly reduce the amount of time spent navigating menus or adjusting settings manually. Imagine being able to simply say, “Zoom into the south corner of the building,” or “Apply the latest lighting settings to the scene.” Such functionality would drastically improve efficiency, allowing artists to focus on the creative aspects of their work rather than getting bogged down by repetitive tasks.

One of the recurring challenges in architectural visualization is the process of collaboration. Whether it’s presenting a design to a client or working with a team of architects and designers, sharing virtual spaces in real-time can be difficult. Samsung’s Project Moohan appears to tackle this issue with its intuitive setup, which can be easily adjusted for different users by simply aligning the headset's lenses to their eye distance. This would allow for seamless sharing of virtual environments, an invaluable feature for collaborative design reviews.

For teams working on large projects, the ability to jump into the same VR space and make live adjustments to visualizations can significantly speed up the design process and improve communication. The headset’s built-in touchpad and hand tracking eliminate the need for external controllers, streamlining the interaction with the environment and reducing the setup time, making it easy for multiple users to dive into the same VR space without hassle.

The introduction of spatial apps is a particularly exciting development for those in architectural visualization. These apps are specifically built for headsets and optimized for immersive experiences. For instance, YouTube’s spatial app offers a multi-window experience, while the headset is designed to handle apps like Google Maps and other spatially aware tools. Imagine using a 3D map of a city in Google Maps while simultaneously working within a 3D model of a building. The ability to view real-world data within the same space as your design offers new possibilities for integrating real-world context into virtual environments, enhancing the realism of visualizations.

Moreover, the Android XR platform promises robust support for peripherals like Bluetooth keyboards and mice. This feature would allow arch viz professionals to use their usual desktop input devices while also taking advantage of the immersive capabilities of VR, offering a more familiar and productive workflow.

Samsung’s Project Moohan is still a prototype, and details regarding its final release—such as price and exact specifications—remain uncertain. However, the fact that it runs on Android XR presents a clear path toward a more standardized XR ecosystem. Just as Android’s flexibility has enabled the development of an entire industry around mobile devices, Android XR could serve as the foundation for a broader ecosystem of VR and AR headsets suited to the diverse needs of arch viz professionals.

The potential for higher-end and lower-end devices running Android XR suggests that this could be the start of an era where VR and AR headsets are as ubiquitous and versatile as smartphones, offering professional-grade tools for design and visualization at every price point.

Samsung’s Project Moohan could be the catalyst that drives the next wave of VR/AR innovation in the architectural visualization industry. With its robust Android XR platform, Gemini AI integration, and potential for seamless collaboration and multitasking, this headset offers a glimpse into a future where architectural visualizations are not just passive experiences but active, immersive, and collaborative processes.

For arch viz artists, this is a headset worth keeping an eye on. The combination of intuitive user experience, powerful software, and the potential for cross-platform compatibility makes Project Moohan a strong contender in the evolving VR/AR landscape. As Samsung and Google continue to refine this product, it may very well redefine how architects, designers, and visualization artists approach their work in virtual spaces.