While Android already has versions for watches, PCs and televisions, Google has just formalized a new platform called Android XR, which will power mixed reality headsets and glasses. In other words, Android XR will be one of the main competitors of visionOS, the operating system of the Vision Pro and the mixed reality platform of the Meta group.
Initially, Android XR will be available on mixed reality headsets which will combine virtual reality and augmented reality, before arriving on glasses. The first product to use this platform will be Samsung’s headset, called Project Moohan, which will be available in 2025.
An ecosystem to build
At the moment, Google is busy developing a whole new ecosystem for this version of Android for mixed reality. “Today’s release is a preview for developers, and by supporting tools like ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR from the start, developers can easily start building apps and games for upcoming Android XR devices”, indicates the firm.
Android XR will have its own Play Store, where these apps will be available. But in addition to experiences designed for mixed reality, Google will also allow users to open apps designed for smartphones in virtual screens on Android XR.
Google is already in the process of optimizing its various applications, such as YouTube, Google Maps and Google Chrome, for this platform. And, of course, the Gemini artificial intelligence will be there. “With Gemini, our AI assistant, you can even have conversations about what you see or control your device. Gemini can understand your intentions, help you plan, research topics and guide you in your tasks”explains the firm.
Google is already testing glasses
As mentioned above, Android XR will also equip augmented reality glasses. Compared to helmets, glasses are compact and can be worn anywhere. Google says it will soon begin testing a prototype Android XR glasses with a small group of users.
It remains to be seen whether this new platform will appeal to users, application developers and device manufacturers.
- Google formalizes Android XR, its competitor to visionOS and Meta’s mixed reality platform
- This software platform can be used by augmented reality headsets and glasses
- The first product running Android XR will be a Samsung headset which will be released in 2025
- Google must now convince application developers and device manufacturers to guarantee the success of this new ecosystem
