Play for Dream, a China-based company known for developing a standalone MR headset similar to Apple’s Vision Pro, has announced plans to switch to Android XR as its standalone operating system.
While the Play for Dream MR headset has drawn comparisons to the Vision Pro, it has been praised for its unique features and execution by industry experts, including a former Quest engineer.
Currently, the headset runs on a custom version of Android, but the company has expressed intentions to transition to Google’s Android XR platform in the future. The timeline for this move is still under discussion.
It remains unclear whether the existing Play for Dream MR headset will receive an update with Android XR or if the transition will be implemented in a future model. With the headset set to launch at the end of the month, any switch to Android XR may not occur immediately.
Founded in 2020 by CEO Huang Feng, Play for Dream has established itself in the Chinese market but is looking to expand its presence in the US XR market with its latest headset offering. The company’s key executives include Chairman Zong Yuan and CTO Yue Fei, and it boasts a team of over 200 employees.
Despite similarities in design to Apple’s Vision Pro, Play for Dream maintains that its focus is on creating a unique Android-based device that reflects its vision and approach rather than directly competing with Apple.
One notable difference between the Play for Dream MR headset and the Vision Pro is the former’s support for motion controllers, adding a new dimension to the user experience.
The Play for Dream MR headset gained traction through a successful Kickstarter campaign in September 2024, raising around $300,000 from backers. While initial shipments are already underway, the official release is expected by the end of March.
Update (March 1st, 2025): The price of the Play for Dream MR headset has been corrected to $1,900, following an earlier incorrect listing of $1,200 during the Kickstarter campaign.
