Play for Dream Plans to Integrate Android XR as Standalone OS and Target US Market Expansion

Play for Dream, a company based in China, is making headlines with their new mixed reality (MR) headset that is drawing comparisons to Apple’s Vision Pro. This standalone device is currently utilizing its own version of Android as the operating system, but there’s talk about eventually switching to Google’s Android XR. While discussions are ongoing, a clear timeline for this switch hasn’t been confirmed.

The headset, which some people have labeled as a “Vision Pro knock-off,” has managed to impress those who have tried it, including a former engineer from Quest who praised its execution. Even though it mirrors Apple’s design, the resemblance might end at the aesthetic level since it offers unique features and runs on Android.

With a hefty price tag of $1,900, this headset is set to launch by the end of the month. It seems unlikely that Android XR will be ready in time for this first release. Google has announced that Samsung’s Project Moohan will debut with Android XR, but no release date for it has been shared yet.

In China, Play for Dream is fairly established, but they’re still making a name for themselves in the US. This was highlighted during a recent discussion with the company, where more was revealed about its background. Founded in 2020 by Huang Feng, who also created Wanyoo Esports, known as Asia’s largest esports café chain, Play for Dream also operates Bixin, a popular gaming platform in China boasting over 60 million registered players. Besides Huang Feng, the company also lists Zong Yuan as its Chairman and Yue Fei as CTO. Impressively, the company has over 200 employees and has managed to build its base without outside investment.

While the company has had success selling headsets in Asia, they’re targeting the US XR market with this new MR headset. Addressing critiques regarding its similarity to the Vision Pro, a spokesperson emphasized that while they admired Apple’s design, their focus was on crafting an Android-based headset that embodies their distinctive vision and approach.

Though the Play for Dream MR headset may look a lot like Apple’s Vision Pro, there’s a key difference: the inclusion of motion controllers. The origin of this innovative device traces back to a Kickstarter campaign launched in September 2024, raising around $300,000 thanks to 215 backers, closing in October.

With initial shipments already reaching Kickstarter supporters, a broader release is expected by the end of March. It’s notable to clarify that the initial price pointed out in previous reports was $1,200, reflecting its cost during the Kickstarter campaign, but it’s actually $1,900 for the current retail version.