Play for Dream Plans to Implement Android XR as Standalone OS, Shifting Focus to US Market

Play for Dream, a tech firm from China, is gearing up to release an intriguing standalone mixed reality headset that bears more than a passing resemblance to Apple’s Vision Pro. Despite the aesthetic similarities, those who’ve experienced it firsthand, including a former engineer from Quest, insist it’s more than just a copycat design, praising its execution.

Currently, the headset runs on a custom version of Android, but Play for Dream has plans to switch to Google’s Android XR platform over time. Conversations about this transition are ongoing, though no specific timeline has been provided. This leaves a question mark over whether the current headset will see an update to Android XR after its launch, or if the company will reserve the shift for a subsequent model.

Priced at $1,200, the launch is expected by the end of the month, making it improbable that Android XR will be ready in time. Samsung’s Project Moohan is slated to be the first to debut with Android XR, though its release date remains under wraps.

Play for Dream has made a name for itself in China, though it’s not yet a household name in the US. Recently, the company shared insights into its background. It was established in 2020 by CEO Huang Feng, who also founded Wanyoo Esports, Asia’s largest esports café chain, and Bixin, a top gaming platform with over 60 million users in China. Other key figures include Chairman Zong Yuan and CTO Yue Fei. The company boasts a workforce of over 200 and has notably avoided external investment.

Although it’s enjoyed some success in Asia, Play for Dream’s latest headset is mainly targeting the US market. Despite criticism about its similarities to Apple’s headset, a company spokesperson emphasized that their aim was not to compete directly with the Vision Pro. Instead, they drew creative inspiration from its design while crafting an Android-based device that aligns with their unique vision.

In terms of design, while there are notable resemblances to the Vision Pro, Play for Dream’s headset distinguishes itself by supporting motion controllers. The initial push for the device came from a Kickstarter campaign that launched in September 2024, hauling in around $300,000 from 215 backers before concluding in October.

As per the Kickstarter updates, the first batch of headsets is already being delivered to backers, with a broader release anticipated at the end of March.