China’s Play for Dream, known for its cutting-edge developments in mixed reality technology, is reportedly gearing up to embrace Android XR as the operating system for its standalone MR headset. This headset has been drawing comparisons to Apple’s Vision Pro due to its striking resemblance. However, those who have had a chance to try it out, including a former Quest engineer, insist that it offers more than just a familiar look, praising its impressive execution.
Currently, the Play for Dream headset runs on a custom Android variant, but the company has revealed to Road to VR that they’re in discussions to transition to Google’s Android XR platform. Although no concrete timeline has been set, the talks indicate a potential future update for the headset or possibly a switch with a newer model.
Considering the headset’s planned release at the end of this month and its hefty $1,900 price tag, it seems unlikely that Android XR will be rolled out in time for the initial launch. Particularly when you factor in Google’s announcement that Samsung’s Project Moohan will be the first to feature Android XR—but even that release date remains under wraps.
Though Play for Dream has carved out a reputation in China, it remains relatively unknown in the American market. The company, led by CEO Huang Feng, also founded Wanyoo Esports, Asia’s largest chain of gaming cafés, and Bixin, a premier gaming platform in China boasting over 60 million registered users. With a team of over 200 and zero external funding, Play for Dream is making waves on its own terms.
While they’ve found a strong foothold in the Asian market with several headset sales, their latest MR headset is clearly tailored for the U.S. XR landscape. Addressing criticisms regarding its design’s likeness to the Vision Pro, a company spokesperson clarified that their aim wasn’t to outshine Apple’s creation. Instead, they drew inspiration from it to craft a unique, Android-powered device that aligns with their vision.
Despite the design echoes with Apple’s product, Play for Dream’s headset sets itself apart by supporting motion controllers. The project gained traction through a successful Kickstarter campaign, launched in September 2024, amassing around $300,000 with the help of 215 backers by the end of October.
The campaign’s backers are already receiving the first shipments of the headset, while the broader market can expect availability by the end of March.
Update (March 1st, 2025): Previous reports listed the headset at $1,200, which reflected the Kickstarter price. This has now been corrected to the headset’s current retail price of $1,900.
