China’s Play for Dream is stirring up the tech world with its standalone MR headset, which bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Vision Pro. Dubbed by some as a “Vision Pro knock-off,” this headset seems to offer more than just aesthetic similarities. Feedback from those who’ve tried it, including a former Quest engineer, suggests it delivers a top-notch user experience.
Currently, the headset operates on a customized version of Android. However, Play for Dream has revealed to Road to VR that they’re considering a shift to Google’s Android XR platform. Although discussions are underway, no concrete timeline has been provided yet.
It’s uncertain whether the transition to Android XR might happen on the existing headset or will be reserved for a future model. With the headset priced at $1,900 and slated for release by the month’s end, it’s unlikely we’ll see the new OS integrated before launch. Especially since Google’s collaboration with Samsung on the Project Moohan headset, expected to debut with Android XR, has yet to announce its release date.
Play for Dream, while a significant player in China, is relatively unknown in the U.S. Recently, I had a chance to learn about the company’s journey. Established in 2020 by CEO Huang Feng, who’s also behind Wanyoo Esports and Bixin, Play for Dream boasts a rich pedigree. The latter is one of China’s leading gaming platforms with over 60 million users.
The executive team is rounded out by Chairman Zong Yuan and CTO Yue Fei. Impressively, the company operates with over 200 employees and hasn’t relied on external investors. Their MR headset is aimed squarely at breaking into the U.S. market, a move that underscores their global ambitions.
Regarding criticism of mimicking Apple’s design, the company clarifies that their goal wasn’t to compete head-to-head with the Vision Pro. Instead, they drew inspiration and reimagined it through the lens of Android’s capabilities, crafting a device that aligns with their unique vision.
While it shares some visual elements with the Vision Pro, a notable feature of the Play for Dream MR is its motion controller support. The headset’s development was fueled by a successful Kickstarter campaign launched in September 2024, where they raised approximately $300,000 from 215 backers.
Interestingly, early backers are already receiving their headsets, with a more extensive rollout expected at the end of March. Just a heads-up – the initial article mentioned a $1,200 price tag from the Kickstarter phase, which has been updated to reflect the current $1,900 market price.
