Play for Dream, a tech company based in China, is now working on a standalone mixed reality (MR) headset that bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Vision Pro. However, those who’ve had a chance to experience it, including a former Quest engineer, insist it’s no mere imitation but a well-executed piece of tech.
Currently, the Play for Dream headset operates on a customized version of Android. However, the company has plans to eventually transition to Google’s Android XR platform, as disclosed to Road to VR. Discussions are ongoing, but no specific timeline has been set for this changeover.
It’s uncertain if the current headset model will receive an update to Android XR after its launch, or if Play for Dream will hold off until designing a future iteration. As the headset is priced at $1,200 and scheduled to release by the end of the month, it’s doubtful that Android XR will be featured at launch. Google has announced that Samsung’s Project Moohan will debut with Android XR, though no release date has been given for Samsung’s headset.
Despite being widely recognized in China, Play for Dream is still making its mark in the U.S. Recently, the company shared insights into its establishment and growth.
Founded by CEO Huang Feng in 2020, Play for Dream is driven by an experienced team. Huang Feng is also behind Wanyoo Esports, a leading esports café chain in Asia, and Bixin, a major gaming platform in China with over 60 million users. Alongside Feng, the company is led by Chairman Zong Yuan and CTO Yue Fei. Notably, Play for Dream operates with a workforce of over 200 without external investment.
Although Play for Dream has primarily sold its products in Asia, the new MR headset is aimed at penetrating the US XR market. Addressing criticisms about its similarity to Apple’s Vision Pro, a company spokesperson stated, “Our intention wasn’t to compete directly with Apple’s Vision Pro. We took cues from its cutting-edge design while focusing on creating a device based on Android that embodies our distinct vision.”
The headset does share aesthetic and interface similarities with the Vision Pro, but Play for Dream’s version notably supports motion controllers, offering a unique user experience.
The Play for Dream MR headset journey began with a Kickstarter campaign that launched in September 2024, raising about $300,000 from 215 backers before concluding in October. Initial shipments are already reaching backers, and a broader market release is slated for the end of March.
