Play for Dream Plans to Integrate Android XR into Its Independent OS

Play for Dream, a tech company hailing from China, is breaking onto the scene with a mixed reality headset bearing a striking resemblance to Apple’s Vision Pro. Despite the comparisons, this device offers more than just aesthetic mimicry, according to reviews from industry insiders, including a former engineer from Quest who applauds its performance.

Presently, the Play for Dream headset operates on a customized version of Android, but the company has plans to transition to Google’s Android XR platform eventually. They shared with Road to VR that discussions are ongoing, though there’s no specified timeline set for this switch. It’s uncertain whether current versions of the headset will receive an Android XR update post-launch or if Play for Dream will hold off until a future model.

With a $1,200 price tag, the headset is set to launch at the month’s end, making it improbable for Android XR to be incorporated beforehand. This is notably because Samsung’s Project Moohan is slated to be the first to debut with Android XR, and Samsung has yet to announce a release date.

While Play for Dream is a strong name in China’s tech market, it’s still gaining recognition in the United States. During a recent conversation, the company shared insights into its origins and leadership. Founded in 2020, the company is led by CEO Huang Feng, the mastermind behind Wanyoo Esports—a major esports café chain across Asia—and Bixin, a gaming platform with over 60 million players. The executive team also includes Chairman Zong Yuan and CTO Yue Fei. Impressively, the company boasts over 200 employees and hasn’t sought external funding.

Despite having a foothold in Asian markets with its previous headset models, Play for Dream is targeting its MR headset primarily at US audiences interested in XR technology. Addressing criticism about its resemblance to the Apple Vision Pro, a company representative clarified, “We didn’t set out to compete directly with Apple. Our inspiration stemmed from their innovative design, but we’re focused on delivering an Android-based headset that embodies our distinct vision.”

Though visually similar to the Vision Pro, the Play for Dream headset distinguishes itself by supporting motion controllers, an advantage pointed out by the developers.

Their endeavor began with a successful Kickstarter campaign in September 2024, securing about $300,000 from 215 backers, and concluded in October. The pledges have already translated into shipped units for backers, and the broader release is anticipated by the end of March this year.