Play for Dream, a China-based company, is gearing up for the release of its MR headset, which bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Vision Pro. However, those who’ve had the chance to try it, including a former Quest engineer, emphasize that it is more than just an imitation, praising its impressive execution.
Currently, the headset operates on a customized version of Android. However, Play for Dream has shared with Road to VR that they are in discussions to eventually shift to Google’s Android XR platform as their operating system. The specifics of this transition, including a timeline, are yet to be disclosed.
There is no clarity yet on if the current headset will receive an update to Android XR post-launch or if future models will make the change. With the headset priced at $1,900 and the launch anticipated at the month’s end, an impending shift to Android XR seems unlikely. It’s worth noting that Samsung’s Project Moohan is slated to be the first to enter the market with Android XR, though its release date is still under wraps.
Despite its modest presence in the US, Play for Dream is quite established in China. The company, founded in 2020 by CEO Huang Feng, also boasts leadership from Chairman Zong Yuan and CTO Yue Fei. Impressively, this growing firm employs over 200 people without any external funding so far.
Although initially selling headsets within Asia, the company is setting its sights on the US XR market with the Play for Dream MR headset. In addressing comparisons to Apple’s Vision Pro, a spokesperson clarified that they were inspired by the design but aimed to craft a distinctive Android-based gadget with their own flair.
While its aesthetics might resemble the Vision Pro, the Play for Dream MR offers a unique feature: support for motion controllers. The inception of this headset saw success through a Kickstarter campaign launched in September 2024, raising around $300,000 from 215 backers. Early batches have already started shipping to supporters, with a broader release expected by the end of March.
(Editor’s Note: As of March 1st, 2025, the headset’s price was corrected from an earlier stated $1,200 to the current $1,900, reflecting the post-Kickstarter pricing.)
