Android XR is an extended reality operating system developed by Google. It was announced in December 2024, and set to launch in 2025. This new platform plans to integrate augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) into a cohesive user experience, through headsets manufactured by Samsung.
Android XR is designed to be an open and unified platform for various XR devices, such as headsets and glasses. This allows users to access a wider range of devices and applications they are already familiar with from the Android ecosystem.
The operating system features AI capabilities through Gemini, Google’s AI assistant. The latter provides better interaction with the user as it can understand context and intent, thereby performing tasks such as finding information, translating languages and controlling applications in an immersive environment.
Android XR provides a full-fledged SDK that lets developers make XR applications using familiar Android tools. It supports standards like OpenXR and WebXR.
Developers can use Unity to create immersive experiences, leveraging its established ecosystem and asset store.
Android XR Glasses
Android XR glasses are a part of Google’s new operating system designed for extended reality devices, including augmented reality and virtual reality. It was announced in December 2024.
The glasses will be powered by Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, which can understand context and engage in natural conversations, providing real-time information based on what users see or interact with.
It must be expected that they operate with micro-OLED panels providing sharp visuals and improved brightness levels- for all lighting conditions.
There could well come glassses fit more perfectly to comfort and extended periods of wear, similar to such popular smart glasses as those from Meta’s Ray-Bans, so they appear practical for daily use as well.
Users can expect features such as navigation assistance, notifications, translations, and access to familiar apps from the Google Play Store. The interface will allow users to multitask with multiple floating windows and interact with their environment through gestures.
A feature includes the ability to locate lost glasses using Google’s Find My Device service, addressing common concerns about misplacing smaller wearable tech.
The Android XR glasses are still in the prototyping stage, with real-world testing for improvement and to ensure that users’ privacy is respected. The full rollout will be done along with other Android XR devices next year, 2025.
Android XR Glasses Price
Until now, no exact cost for Android XR glasses or the Android XR smart glasses is made known, but the assumption would be competitive and might begin with entry-level devices selling for about $1,000.
Based on some of the current trends around XR products, along with some ambition to lower it at a more aggressive rate versus its competition such as Apple’s Vision Pro that fetches at $3,500.
Android XR Headset
Samsung has launched its first Android XR headset, codenamed Project Moohan, which is slated to debut in 2025. This headset is to come as a direct competitor of other high-end headsets as Apple’s Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3 etc.
The device will utilize Google’s Gemini AI assistant, allowing users to control everything around them, from smart home devices to apps.
It will also feature cutting-edge displays, which support passthrough technology, allowing for easy and seamless blending of virtual content with the real world.
Interactions will be natural using a variety of input methods: hand gestures, voice commands and others.
The device will run on Android XR, which will give access to a wide range of applications optimized for XR environments. This includes Google services like YouTube, Google Maps, and Chrome, allowing for multitasking in a virtual space.
The Moohan headset is designed to be lightweight with an ergonomic fit, similar to the Meta Quest Pro. It includes a tethered battery pack for extended use without compromising comfort.
While details on pricing and exact dates are still under wraps, Samsung has confirmed that the Moohan XR headset would be available sometime in 2025.
Android XR Headset Price
The Samsung Android XR headset, codenamed Project Moohan, will be priced between $3,000 and $4,000 when it is launched in 2025. This puts it in competition with high-end devices like the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest series.
The headset will officially be launched at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22, 2025, where more details about its features and specifications will also be shared.
Android XR Release Date
Android XR OS from Google will be released in 2025. Samsung Moohan XR will be the first device that runs the new OS. This launch will be during the event Samsung Galaxy Unpacked set to take place on January 22, 2025.
This will be held at Samsung headquarters in San Jose, California, and will also unveil the Galaxy S25 series smartphones.
Android XR Apps
Android XR is supposed to support a variety of applications for augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality experiences. The platform is getting ready to hit the market fully in 2025.
Most of the existing Android mobile applications will work on Android XR without any additional development effort. Apps optimized for large screens will benefit from the wider viewing area offered by XR devices.
Google has published the Android XR SDK, which includes APIs for creating experiences with spatial elements, spatial audio, and multimodal interactions (such as hand and eye gestures).
Gaming is a significant aspect of Android XR, with partnerships established with companies like Unity to facilitate game development. Developers can use tools for hand tracking, foveated rendering, and more to create engaging VR games.
Notable App Partners
- Adobe
- Calm
- MLB
- AmazeVR Concerts
- Owlchemy Labs
- Resolution Games
First-Party Applications
- YouTube
- Google TV
- Google Photos
- Google Maps
Android XR to Bring Gemini AI to Headsets and Glasses
Google’s Android XR platform is going to change the way a user interacts with extended reality devices, such as headsets and smart glasses. The integration of Gemini AI is going to make this all possible.
Gemini AI would enable a controller-free operation through a conversational user interface. Users can interact with their devices naturally, asking questions or issuing commands based on their context and surroundings.
The AI can understand what the user wants, and hence it can assist in planning, research, and task management. In other words, users may discuss what they see with relevant information or guidance in real-time.
Android XR will support applications optimized for XR environments. Users can enjoy experiences with apps like YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Photos, using features such as virtual big screens and 3D visualizations.
It will support cross-device experience designed to make users enjoy their favorite mobile apps from the Google Play Store while also enabling completely new.
First Look at the UI of Android XR
Recently, Google provided a first look at the user interface for Android XR. The system is designed for extended reality devices, including VR headsets and AR smart glasses.
The home screen contains two pages. The first one is dedicated to pinned apps and system shortcuts. On the second page, the full list of applications is shown. Users can set which apps will be available on the home screen with a single click.
The Quick Settings panel will have Internet and Bluetooth toggles, as well as XR-specific toggles including Boundary, Passthrough, and Recenter. This lets users easily control their XR environment.
The app launcher opens with a familiar pattern, showing installed apps. Notice that the Google Play Store filters for apps tagged as compatible with Android XR, in addition to reporting those that have been confirmed compatible with it.
The notifications panel and recents menu use designs typical to those on most standard Android interfaces, so users transitioning from traditional Android devices can easily find their way.
The Gboard keyboard is also optimized for XR use; however, it does seem a bit cramped in these initial screenshots. Users can probably resize it as desired.
Lynx Confirms Android XR For Next Headset
Lynx has confirmed it will back Android XR for its next headset, becoming one of the first names alongside Sony and XREAL to commit to Google’s new XR operating system.
With Sony and XREAL now part of Lynx’s list of supported vendors, the company will surely support innovation and increase the choice of devices available to customers.
With Lynx, Sony, and XREAL on board, the platform is ready to deliver innovative solutions that make everyday interactions more immersive.
Also Read: Latest Meta Quest 3 News, Updates, Reviews and More – December 2024
Technologies and Frameworks in Android XR
ARCore
ARCore is Google’s main platform for developing augmented reality experiences on Android devices. It provides developers with the fundamental tools for motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation.
Motion tracking enables the device to understand its position in space, which makes the AR experience stable.
Environmental understanding allows the detection of planar surfaces and objects in the environment, and light estimation allows the adjustment of virtual objects to the real world lighting conditions. Together, these features make it possible to build realistic and engaging AR applications.
Daydream
While Daydream was once a standalone VR platform, its influence continues to be felt in Android XR development. The Daydream SDK gives developers tools to build fully immersive VR applications, including games and 360-degree videos.
Key features include VR interaction tools that allow for natural user interaction in virtual environments, as well as performance optimization techniques that ensure smooth experiences on supported devices.
Even though Daydream is no longer being actively developed, its best practices are carried forward to guide VR development on Android XR.
Vulkan
Vulkan is a low-overhead graphics API that improves the performance of rendering in XR applications.
Vulkan allows developers to use the GPU resources much better and enables developers to develop visually appealing graphics with great efficiency, which is necessary for producing high-quality immersive experiences.
Sceneform
Sceneform is a framework that makes the development of AR applications easier through its capabilities to build 3D models and render them in real time.
It abstracts complex graphics tasks so developers do not get bogged down by technical details while making engaging user experiences. It enables the integration of 3D content into AR applications.
OpenXR
OpenXR is an open standard that has been established to promote interoperability among many XR platforms. OpenXR 1.1 compliancy with Android XR allows developers to build apps that will work between multiple XR devices without many changes in the code.
Such standards make innovation easier through wider accessibility while maintaining cross-compatibility across hardware.
WebXR
WebXR enables developers to deliver immersive experiences directly within the web browsers, using standard web technologies. This framework delivers XR content to any person who owns a compatible device, opening the potential of XR applications to everyone beyond native applications.
By using WebXR, developers can develop engaging experiences that are easy to share and access through web links.
Unity and Jetpack Compose for XR
Integration of Unity, one of the leading game engines, in Android XR development offers wide functionality that supports building complex interactive experiences.
It makes the building process for an immersive environment less challenging and supports out-of-the-box functionalities of many of XR functionalities.
In addition to this, Jetpack Compose for XR is a toolkit for creating user interfaces specifically for XR environments with components and layouts designed for spatial interactions.
Hardware Ecosystem Supporting Android XR
Android Devices Supporting XR
The first headset to ship with Android XR is Project Moohan, made for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
It comes with the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform from Qualcomm for high performance with advanced features such as support for several external cameras and high resolution on the displays. There is seamless switching between VR and AR modes in the headset.
Other companies, such as Lynx, Sony, and XREAL, will also be building their devices running on Android XR. This collaboration aims at achieving different types of XR devices based on the needs of various users, from gaming and productivity.
Wearables and Accessories
The plan announced by Google intends to embed Android XR directly into the “all-day use” smart glasses. Its use promises hands-free entry into information and applications of any user’s need. Prototypes are under testing.
These devices will have added functionalities like contextual support through the integration of Google’s Gemini AI.
In other words, it allows for a more intuitive interaction between users and their environment. A user can ask Gemini what something is when he looks at it or to take him to his desired location.
Programming and Deployment
Android developers require using Android Studio version Meerkat | 2024.3.1 Canary 5, designed for development of Android XR. Tools, such as Android XR Emulator, come with it, along with new templates for XR-based projects.
For developing XR applications, developers can employ either Kotlin or Java within the Android Studio to develop regular apps or C# in Unity for XR-based experiences.
Once developed, applications can be published in the Google Play Store and most existing Android applications will automatically be available on XR devices without any additional effort.
Developers should test their applications on real hardware for performance and usability before publication.
Applications of Android XR
1. Gaming
Android XR is improving gaming with users entering fully realized 3D environments. Spatial audio, hand tracking, and eye tracking are among the game’s capabilities that could improve how it is played.
More and more game developers have begun to transform their own titles into versions suitable for Android XR, especially due to Unity’s performance-optimizing support on the platform, along with its foveated rendering and natural interaction tools that would advance immersion and realism in games.
2. Education and Training
Android XR offers virtual field trips as well as interactive lessons such that learners can explore complex subject matter in a hands-on approach. For instance, they can manipulate 3D models of molecules or experience live history events.
Industries use XR for trainees who have the opportunity of receiving simulations to ensure practice in a safe and simulated environment. This is especially for the medical field as one may practice surgery procedures.
3. Retail and E-commerce
Retailers can use AR features that enable customers to try on clothing or accessories virtually before purchasing, thus lowering return rates and increasing customer satisfaction.
Using Android XR, retailers can create interactive shopping environments where users can browse products in a virtual space, view detailed information and make purchases seamlessly.
4. Industrial Applications
It can offer technicians real-time data and guidance when performing maintenance tasks on machinery.
Companies can visualize products in 3D before the physical prototypes are made, thus streamlining the design process and allowing collaboration across teams.
Latest Android XR News
On December 12, 2024, Google finally made Android XR official. Android XR is the new operating system that focuses on extended reality devices, specifically mixed reality headsets and smart glasses. This operating system will upgrade experiences of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) by implementing AI features.
The first device to be powered by Android XR is called “Project Moohan,” developed in collaboration with Samsung. It is going to be a mixed-reality headset and is going to hit the markets in 2025.
Google released the first developer preview of Android XR on December 12. It means that developers can now start creating applications using familiar tools such as Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR. It is important for the creation of a solid ecosystem around the new OS.
Android XR features a Gemini AI assistant in terms of interaction with the physical and virtual world through speech interactions. The user might also ask questions about various items and places within their field of vision.
Several Google apps are getting overhauled for Android XR. Users will be able to watch YouTube and Google TV on a virtual big screen, see Google Photos in 3D and use Immersive View in Google Maps to guide them around cities.
In addition to Samsung’s headset, other partners like Sony, Lynx, and XREAL are also developing devices that will be compatible with Android XR.
Android XR will allow users to browse the web using Google Chrome across multiple virtual screens, improving multitasking capabilities within the XR environment.
The OS will include a “Circle to Search” feature, enabling users to quickly find information about their surroundings through simple gestures while using their XR devices.
Android XR is being positioned as a competitor to Apple’s visionOS and Meta’s Horizon OS, targeting to provide a platform for developers and users alike. The OS is built from the ground up for XR experiences and is different from the other traditional Android versions designed for mobile devices.
As development goes on, more applications and games optimized for Android XR are expected to be released with new hardware releases throughout 2025.
The global XR market is expected to grow to USD 87.3 billion by 2025, from USD 62.9 billion in 2024, thus showing demand for XR technologies including those based on Android XR.
The XR market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28% from 2023 to 2028, driven by increased adoption across various sectors such as gaming, healthcare, education and retail.
Google has collaborated with leading industry players such as Samsung, Qualcomm, Sony, and Magic Leap to develop a rich ecosystem for Android XR devices and applications.
Android XR will support features such as switching between virtual and real environments, immersive viewing of YouTube and Google TV on virtual screens.
Google is testing prototype smart glasses under the initiative called Project Astra.
Android XR is positioned as a direct competitor to Apple’s visionOS and Meta’s Horizon OS.
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