With its new Android XR platform, Google has taken a leap back into the headset category, and Samsung is coming along for the ride this time. The tech giant just released an update on its custom operating system, Android XR, and its features and capabilities, setting the stage for future headsets that are to be built on the technology.
What is Android XR? In Google’s words, “It is an AI-powered operating system coming soon to headsets and glasses. It brings together digital information and the real world to help you watch, work, and explore.” Just like Android OS powers a number of smartphones around the globe, Google is hoping other companies will adopt Android XR as a way to develop their own headsets and glasses.
Image: Google
The Google Android XR Platform Is Getting Set to Support the Next Generation of Headsets
During the I/O Developer Conference earlier this year, Google unveiled Project Asta, which was the company’s exploration of AI technology combined with Google’s search capabilities. Together, it resulted in a pair of handy XR glasses. This was only an initial concept of a product but things appear to be taking shape now.
“We’re working to create a vibrant ecosystem of developers and device makers for Android XR, building on the foundation that brought Android to billions. Today’s release is a preview for developers, and by supporting tools like ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR from the beginning, developers can easily start building apps and games for upcoming Android XR devices,” Google stated in its announcement post.
What Is Project Moohan?
According to the Google XR updates for 2024, the Samsung-built headset, codenamed Project Moohan or “Project Infinity,” will be the first device released based on the Android XR software. The device is a result of a partnership between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm, and is expected to be launched next year.
There were some rumors of a struggle between Samsung and Google that disrupted progress on the device and delayed its launch, but things appear to be back on track. If you’re a developer who wants to start building content for the Android XR smart glasses and headset before the devices are launched, then you can turn to the website to explore how to gain access to the platform.
When it comes to fusing its capabilities with AI, Google will look to Gemini, and Samsung is also expected to make the most of this particular AI. The upcoming headset will have passthrough capabilities and a state-of-the-art display. The headset will be controllable through gestures and voice commands as well, putting the AI assistant on the task when executing your work.
Those who don’t want a bulky headset and are just looking for simple XR glasses are in luck because the collaboration on the Google Android XR platform is expected to give up both gadgets in 2025. The glasses will be better suited for all-day wear, accompanying the user both indoors and outdoors.
Image: See more, do more with the upcoming headset.
Android XR Features and Capabilities That Have Us Paying Attention
The Google Android XR platform will have multiple native Google apps, from YouTube to Google Photos, adapted to it, so you’ll be able to use these apps more immersively using the upcoming headset. Google is also adding an Android XR Emulator to Android Studio for developers to visualize their own apps in this virtual space and customize them for easy interaction and navigation.
The integration of Gemini AI will allow users to ask the AI questions and see the results projected in front of them, all with natural language commands. Features like Circle to Search or enhanced navigation capabilities should help make the device useful in daily use.
Initially, the Android XR smart glasses and headsets from the Samsung-Google collaboration may be the only ones available for users, but over time, companies such as Lynx, Sony, and XReal, which rely on the Qualcomm XR solutions, could also launch their own iterations of the device.
For now, it’s too early to tell how developers will build on the platform and what sort of interest we’ll see from hardware makers. Apple’s Vision Pro headset showed us that while there is user interest in such gadgets, consumers are very willing to skip a product that doesn’t fully give them back their money’s worth in experience. Will Google and Samsung be able to do better?