Google Unveils Android XR: A New Operating System for Extended Reality Devices

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Google has announced Android XR, a dedicated operating system designed to power the next generation of extended reality (XR) devices, including mixed reality headsets and smart glasses. This move positions Google as a key player in the XR space, directly competing with Apple's visionOS, introduced alongside the Apple Vision Pro headset in 2023. Android XR promises to bring advanced AI, AR, and VR capabilities to upcoming devices, including Samsung's much-anticipated Project Moohan XR headset, slated for a 2025 release.

Android XR Developer Preview: Kickstarting App Development

To encourage developers to build for this new platform, Google released the first developer preview of Android XR on Thursday. This preview includes tools familiar to Android developers, such as Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, ARCore, OpenXR, and Unity, enabling the creation of innovative apps and games tailored for XR experiences.
Developers can begin exploring the potential of Android XR, which integrates seamlessly with Google's ecosystem and supports cutting-edge XR technologies.

Gemini AI Assistant and Enhanced XR Experiences

One of Android XR’s standout features is its integration with Google’s Gemini AI assistant, designed to enhance XR experiences. Users can interact with the assistant to ask questions about objects or locations in their view or use the Circle to Search feature for visual lookups with simple gestures.
Google’s in-house apps, including YouTube, Google Photos, and Google TV, will also receive updates to support immersive virtual displays. Similar to Apple Vision Pro's immersive content viewing, these apps will allow users to watch videos or browse photos on a larger virtual screen.
Additionally, Google Maps will offer a revamped Immersive View for navigation, while Google Chrome will provide a browser experience on a virtual screen, with gesture-based navigation for ease of use.

Project Moohan: Samsung’s XR Headset

Google revealed that Project Moohan, an XR headset developed by Samsung, will be the first device to run on Android XR. Scheduled for a 2025 launch, this headset is expected to compete directly with the Apple Vision Pro, which debuted at a price of $3,499 (roughly ₹2.96 lakh). Project Moohan could bring Android XR’s capabilities to life with advanced AI integration and a competitive feature set.

The Future of XR: Smart Glasses

Google has its sights set on the next frontier of XR technology: smart glasses. Unlike bulky headsets, these glasses aim to deliver most XR features in a lightweight and portable form. Google plans to begin real-world testing of prototype glasses running Android XR soon.
Previews of these smart glasses reveal futuristic capabilities:

• Viewing messages in a popup at the bottom of the wearer’s field of view.
• Turn-by-turn navigation directions with a small circular map displayed in the same area.
• Text translation in real time.
• Virtual tutorials using AR technology.

These features highlight Google’s vision of a seamless integration of XR into everyday life.

Competing with Apple in the XR Space

Android XR enters a market where Apple has already established a strong presence with visionOS and the Vision Pro headset. However, Google’s approach focuses on accessibility and integration with its ecosystem, potentially giving it an edge in attracting developers and a broader audience.

Conclusion

With the launch of Android XR, Google is paving the way for a new era of XR devices powered by advanced AI, AR, and VR technologies. From immersive virtual displays to real-world applications in navigation and messaging, Android XR promises to redefine how users interact with technology. As the ecosystem expands with devices like Samsung’s Project Moohan and Google’s smart glasses, the XR landscape is set to become more competitive and innovative than ever.

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Great news for the Android users