Play for Dream, an emerging tech company based in China, is gearing up to introduce a mixed-reality headset that bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Vision Pro. Often dubbed a “Vision Pro knock-off” because of its aesthetic likeness, this standalone MR headset has managed to earn accolades from users who’ve tested it, including praise from a former engineer at Quest for its impressive execution.
Operating on a customized version of Android for its current software environment, Play for Dream is contemplating a shift to Google’s Android XR platform in the future. Although discussions are underway, the company admits there’s no set timeline for when this transition might happen. It’s still anyone’s guess whether the existing headset would receive an Android XR update after launch or if a future model will debut with the new platform.
Given that the $1,200 headset is slated to hit the market at month’s end, it’s unlikely that Android XR will be integrated into it straight away. This is especially true since Google’s first Android XR device, Samsung’s Project Moohan, has yet to announce its release date.
Even though Play for Dream is well-rooted in China, the brand is not as recognized in the U.S. Recently, I had the opportunity to learn more about the company’s origins and its team. Founded in 2020 by CEO Huang Feng—also a pioneer of Wanyoo Esports, Asia’s largest esports café chain, and Bixin, a major gaming platform in China—the company is growing fast. Key players include Chairman Zong Yuan and CTO Yue Fei, with the team boasting over 200 employees. Impressively, they’ve achieved this without seeking external funding.
While their previous headsets have been mainly distributed in the Asian markets, this new MR headset aims to capture the U.S. XR sector. Addressing critiques about how closely it resembles Apple’s Vision Pro, a Play for Dream representative noted, “We didn’t aim to compete directly with the Apple Vision Pro. Instead, we drew inspiration from its groundbreaking design while crafting an Android-based headset that mirrors our unique vision and approach.”
Despite the handset’s visual and interface similarities with Vision Pro, a substantial difference is that Play for Dream’s version will include support for motion controllers. After gaining momentum from a Kickstarter campaign launched in September 2024, they successfully raised around $300,000 from 215 backers by its conclusion in October. Shipment for initial backers has already begun, with a broader market release expected by the end of March.
