Google has unveiled Android XR, a new operating system tailored for extended reality (XR) headsets and glasses, marking its entry into the competitive world of mixed reality.
Developed in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm, the new platform aims to bring a unified ecosystem to virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) devices.
With Samsung’s Project Moohan headset set to launch in 2025, Android XR combines Google’s AI capabilities, familiar Play Store apps, and open development standards to challenge Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s visionOS for the Vision Pro goggles.
“We are at an inflection point for XR, where breakthroughs in multimodal AI enable natural and intuitive ways to use technology in your everyday life. We’re thrilled to partner with Samsung to build a new ecosystem with Android XR, transforming computing for everyone on next-generation devices like headsets, glasses, and beyond,” said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google.
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Gemini AI at the Core of Android XR
A defining feature of Android XR is its integration with Google’s Gemini AI. Designed to deliver natural and intuitive interactions, Gemini uses advanced multimodal AI capabilities, including voice commands, hand tracking, and contextual understanding.
This enables users to engage with XR environments in ways that feel effortless. For instance, Gemini allows for seamless multitasking with Chrome’s virtual screens, interactive 3D exploration of landmarks via Google Maps, and dynamic memory organization through Google Photos.
Android XR combines the familiarity of Android with the power of AI tools like Gemini to enhance interactions with technology. Tools like “Circle to Search” add another layer of functionality, allowing users to retrieve contextual information with simple gestures while immersed in XR environments.
The integration of Gemini into Android XR extends beyond entertainment. The AI assistant facilitates real-time task management, like planning trips or navigating complex spaces, making the platform not just immersive but also deeply practical.
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Reimagining Apps for XR
Google is retooling some of its most popular apps to thrive in an XR setting. YouTube and Google TV will allow users to enjoy content on large virtual screens, while Google Photos offers a fully immersive 3D gallery experience. Google Maps introduces a new way of navigating cities by providing immersive, bird’s-eye views of landmarks and neighborhoods.
In addition to Google’s apps, Android XR supports existing Play Store applications, giving the platform a competitive edge. This compatibility broadens the potential use cases for XR devices, transforming them from niche entertainment products into general-purpose computing tools.
Shahram Izadi, Google’s VP and GM of XR, noted that Android XR ensures compatibility with existing Android apps, enabling users to transition smoothly from traditional mobile experiences to XR environments.
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Samsung’s Project Moohan: The First Android XR Device
Project Moohan, Samsung’s inaugural Android XR-powered headset, is a key part of this collaboration. Scheduled for release in 2025 after long delays, the device is designed to combine high-resolution displays, advanced passthrough capabilities, and lightweight ergonomics to create an unparalleled user experience.
Passthrough technology allows users to see and interact with the real world while overlaying virtual elements, creating a true mixed reality experience.
Samsung described the Moohan project as “a device that brings the boundless potential of XR to life.” The name “Moohan,” which translates to “infinity” in Korean, reflects Samsung’s vision of XR as a technology that can extend possibilities far beyond current limits.
Won-Joon Choi, EVP and Head of R&D at Samsung, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “XR has quickly shifted from a distant promise to a tangible reality. We believe it has the potential to unlock new and meaningful ways to interact with the world by truly resonating with your everyday lives, transcending physical boundaries.”
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Open Standards and Tools for Developers
A cornerstone of Android XR is its commitment to open standards. The platform is fully compliant with OpenXR 1.1, a cross-platform API designed to ensure compatibility across a variety of XR devices. This open approach enables developers to build applications that work seamlessly on different hardware, fostering a unified ecosystem.
Google has equipped Android XR with a robust development toolkit, including the Jetpack XR SDK. The SDK features tools like Jetpack Compose for XR, which simplifies the creation of spatial user interfaces, and ARCore, which provides the foundational capabilities for augmented reality experiences.
Developers familiar with Android can use existing APIs and frameworks, ensuring a low barrier to entry for creating XR applications.
Matthew McCullough, VP of Product Management for Android, emphasized the developer-friendly nature of the platform: “If you’re building for Android, you’re already building for XR.”
Unity’s Android XR Extensions further expand these possibilities, allowing developers to create immersive environments using one of the world’s most popular real-time 3D engines.
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The Role of Partnerships in Expanding the XR Ecosystem
Beyond Samsung, Google is working with a network of industry partners to enhance the XR ecosystem. Magic Leap, Lynx, and other hardware makers are contributing to a diverse array of applications, from enterprise solutions to consumer-facing products.
Google also announced plans to test AR glasses in real-world environments, aiming to deliver seamless navigation, real-time translations, and hands-free notifications.
These partnerships reinforce Android XR’s versatility, ensuring that it can cater to a wide range of use cases. From gaming and entertainment to productivity and education, the platform is designed to appeal to both individual users and businesses.
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Competing Visions in the XR Space
Android XR faces formidable competition from Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s visionOS. Meta’s platform is known for its strong gaming ecosystem, although the company has recently pushed updates that significantly enhance the integration between virtual reality (VR) and traditional computing. Apple’s XR strategy already emphasizes the seamless integration of flat apps with immersive content.
Android XR bridges these two approaches by offering compatibility with existing Play Store apps alongside immersive capabilities.
Izadi summarized this positioning: “We aim to create a platform that unites immersive and familiar app experiences, giving users the best of both worlds.” This dual focus could make Android XR a compelling option for users seeking more than just a gaming device or a high-end productivity tool.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Android XR
The unveiling of Android XR marks a significant step in the evolution of XR technology. By prioritizing open standards, AI-driven interactions, and a developer-friendly ecosystem, Google and Samsung are positioning the platform as a cornerstone of the XR industry.
Samsung’s Project Moohan and Google’s AR glasses will serve as benchmarks for the platform’s success, with their real-world testing and consumer reception likely to shape the next phase of XR development.
As Google, Samsung, and their partners continue to innovate, Android XR may well become the foundation for the next generation of computing. The combined strength of AI, open standards, and a familiar app ecosystem positions the platform to meet the diverse needs of users and developers alike, offering a glimpse into the boundless possibilities of extended reality.
