Google has officially introduced Android XR, a next-generation operating system tailored for extended reality (XR) devices, including mixed reality headsets and smart glasses. Developed in collaboration with Qualcomm and Samsung, Android XR promises seamless integration of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) capabilities. This announcement positions Google as a strong competitor in the XR landscape, following Apple’s launch of visionOS for its Vision Pro headset in 2023.
Android XR Developer Preview Released
Google has launched the developer preview of Android XR, encouraging app and game developers to create content for upcoming devices using the new operating system. The preview supports established development tools such as:
- Android Studio
- Jetpack Compose
- ARCore
- OpenXR
- Unity
The OS also integrates Google’s Gemini AI assistant, enhancing user experiences within XR environments. With Gemini, users can:
- Interact via voice commands to explore objects or locations.
- Use features like Circle to Search for visual lookups with simple gestures.
Revamped Google Apps for XR
Google’s core applications are being reimagined for the XR ecosystem:
- YouTube, Google Photos, and Google TV: Optimized for immersive virtual displays.
- Google Maps: Includes an updated Immersive View feature.
- Google Chrome: Offers web browsing on a virtual widescreen with gesture-based navigation.
Samsung’s Project Moohan: First Android XR Device
The first device to run on Android XR, codenamed Project Moohan, is set to launch in 2025, developed by Samsung. This XR headset is expected to compete directly with Apple’s Vision Pro, which debuted earlier this year at a price of $3,499 (approximately ₹2.96 lakh).
Android XR for Smart Glasses: A Glimpse into the Future
Google is also preparing to test Android XR on smart glasses, a potential game-changer in XR technology. Early prototypes reveal cutting-edge features, including:
- Popup notifications for messages within the wearer’s field of view.
- Turn-by-turn navigation using Google Maps with an on-screen circular map.
- AR-powered text translations and virtual tutorials.
These smart glasses aim to provide XR functionality without bulky hardware, signaling the evolution of wearable technology.
How does Android XR compare to Apple’s visionOS
Google has announced the Android XR operating system, positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple’s visionOS, which powers the Apple Vision Pro headset. Here’s a comparison of the two operating systems based on their features, capabilities, and intended use cases.
1. Core Purpose and Functionality
- Android XR: Designed for extended reality (XR) applications, Android XR integrates augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) functionalities. It aims to provide a seamless experience across smart glasses and mixed reality headsets, leveraging Google’s extensive ecosystem of apps and services.
- visionOS: Apple’s visionOS is specifically tailored for immersive experiences on the Vision Pro headset. It focuses on spatial computing, allowing users to interact with digital content in a 3D space, blending physical and digital environments.
2. AI Integration
- Android XR: Features Gemini AI, which enhances user interactions by enabling conversational interfaces. This AI integration allows users to perform tasks, receive real-time assistance, and interact with applications more intuitively.
- visionOS: While visionOS also incorporates AI elements, it primarily focuses on user interface enhancements and spatial awareness to create a more immersive experience without a dedicated conversational AI like Gemini.
3. App Ecosystem
- Android XR: Supports existing Android apps from the Google Play Store, allowing for easy integration of mobile applications into the XR environment without significant modifications. This compatibility aims to attract developers by providing familiar tools like ARCore and Unity.
- visionOS: Offers a curated selection of apps optimized for spatial computing. Developers need to adapt their applications specifically for visionOS to take full advantage of its capabilities, which may limit the immediate availability of popular apps.
4. User Experience
- Android XR: Promises enhanced multitasking capabilities with features like floating Chrome windows and the ability to anchor apps in the real world. The system is designed for both productivity and entertainment, allowing users to watch videos or browse content in an immersive setting.
- visionOS: Emphasizes a highly interactive user experience with spatial awareness, allowing users to manipulate digital objects as if they were physical items. The interface is designed to feel natural in a three-dimensional space, enhancing engagement with content.
5. Hardware Collaboration
- Android XR: Developed in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, the first device running this OS will be the Project Moohan headset, set to launch in 2025. This partnership aims to deliver cutting-edge hardware that complements the software’s capabilities.
- visionOS: Exclusively tied to Apple’s hardware ecosystem, particularly the Vision Pro headset. Apple controls both hardware and software development, ensuring tight integration between the two.
6. Market Positioning
- Android XR: Positioned as a more accessible alternative to visionOS, potentially appealing to a broader audience due to its compatibility with existing Android applications and devices.
- visionOS: Targets premium markets with high-end specifications and features, reflected in the Vision Pro’s pricing strategy.
What are the key features of Google’s Gemini AI in Android XR
Google’s Gemini AI plays a central role in the functionality of the Android XR operating system, enhancing user experiences across mixed reality headsets and smart glasses. Here are the key features of Gemini AI within the Android XR ecosystem:
1. Context-Aware Assistance
- Understanding Surroundings: Gemini AI is designed to comprehend both the digital and physical environments around the user. It can analyze visual cues and contextual information to provide relevant assistance, making interactions more intuitive.
2. Conversational Interface
- Natural Interactions: Users can engage with Gemini through natural language conversations. This allows for a more fluid interaction where users can ask questions about their surroundings, request information, or control their devices without needing to navigate complex menus.
3. Task Management and Planning
- Real-Time Support: Gemini AI assists users in planning tasks, researching topics, and managing activities. For example, it can help users find directions, schedule events, or summarize messages received on their smartphones.
4. Multimodal Input Capabilities
- Diverse Interaction Methods: Gemini supports various input methods, including voice commands, hand gestures, and eye tracking. This multimodal approach allows users to choose how they interact with their XR devices based on their preferences and contexts.
5. Integration with Google Services
- Ecosystem Compatibility: Gemini AI is integrated into Google’s suite of applications, including YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Photos. This integration allows users to experience these services in immersive ways—like watching videos on a virtual big screen or exploring cities through an immersive view in Maps.
6. Navigation and Guidance
- AI-Driven Navigation: Gemini can guide users through 3D environments by highlighting points of interest or critical data layers. This feature enhances navigation within virtual spaces, making it easier for users to explore and interact with their surroundings.
7. Real-Time Translation and Summarization
- Language Support: For smart glasses equipped with Gemini AI, users can receive real-time translations of conversations or summaries of messages without needing to look at their phones. This functionality is particularly useful for travelers or those in multilingual environments.
8. Visual Search Capabilities
- Circle to Search: Users can circle objects or text they see in their environment to initiate searches or gather information instantly. This feature enhances the interactivity of the XR experience by connecting the physical world with digital content seamlessly.
What kind of apps will be available on Android XR
Google’s Android XR operating system is set to support a diverse range of applications tailored for mixed reality experiences. Here are the key types of apps that will be available on Android XR:
1. Google’s Own Apps
- Maps: An XR version of Google Maps will allow users to explore cities and landmarks in immersive ways, potentially using features like Immersive View.
- Photos: Google Photos will offer a 3D experience for viewing and reliving memories.
- YouTube: Users can watch YouTube videos on a virtual big screen, enhancing the viewing experience with spatial audio and visuals.
2. Web Browsing
- Chrome: The XR version of Chrome will enable users to browse the internet with multiple virtual screens, allowing for multitasking in a mixed reality environment.
3. Existing Mobile Apps
- Most existing Android mobile and tablet apps from the Google Play Store will work on Android XR devices right out of the box. This includes apps optimized for large screens, which will function well in mixed reality settings.
4. Games and Entertainment
- Several gaming companies are already working on adapting their titles for Android XR. Notable partners include:
- Owlchemy Labs: Known for their engaging VR games.
- Resolution Games: Bringing immersive gaming experiences to the platform.
- 30 Ninjas: Developing an immersive film app.
5. Creative and Productivity Apps
- Applications from partners like Adobe, which may include tools for design and creativity, are expected to be available on Android XR.
- Productivity tools that leverage spatial layouts and interactions will also be part of the ecosystem.
6. Health and Wellness Apps
- Apps like Calm, which focus on meditation and relaxation, may adapt their experiences for XR environments, providing guided sessions in immersive settings.
7. Development Tools
- Developers can utilize tools such as Unity, OpenXR, and ARCore to create new XR applications or adapt existing ones for the platform. The Android XR SDK will facilitate the development of applications with spatial elements, 3D models, and natural interaction capabilities.
What is the expected release date for the Samsung Moohan headset
The Samsung Project Moohan headset, which is powered by Google’s Android XR operating system, is expected to launch in 2025. While the exact release date has not been confirmed, it is anticipated that the headset will be unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event, likely coinciding with the launch of the Galaxy S25 smartphone series in early January 2025. This headset aims to compete directly with Apple’s Vision Pro and will feature advanced capabilities such as eye and hand tracking, voice command integration, and immersive experiences through a combination of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies
Conclusion
With the launch of Android XR, Google is making significant strides in the XR domain, blending advanced AI-driven features with immersive AR/VR capabilities. As the first Android XR devices hit the market, users can anticipate a new era of mixed reality experiences that redefine how we interact with digital content in real-world settings.
