Google launches Android XR OS for Mixed Reality headsets and smart glasses
Google on Thursday announced Android XR as a new operating system designed for Extended Reality (XR) devices, along with support for the Gemini AI assistant. It’s expected to arrive with upcoming mixed reality headsets and smart glasses, and Google says it will include support for features that rely on artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Apple released visionOS as the dedicated operating system designed for the Apple Vision Pro in 2023, adding support for running apps designed for the headset as well as iPad apps.
Android XR Developer Preview released to encourage developer support
The company say that the first developer preview of Android It already includes support for tools used by developers working on Android applications, such as Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, ARCore, OpenXR and Unity.
With the new Android XR operating system, users can access Google’s Gemini AI assistant, which offers features designed for XR experiences. This means users can talk to the assistant and ask it questions about objects and locations within their field of view, or even use the Circle to Search feature available on select Android phones to perform a visual search with a gesture feed. .
In addition to these AI features, Google says its internal applications like YouTube, Google Photos and Google TV will be redesigned to work on a virtual screen, which sounds similar to how Apple added support for viewing content on a larger, immersive screen. screen visible while wearing the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Google TV on Android XR
Photo credits: Google
Meanwhile, Google Maps will support a revamped Immersive View feature, while users will also be able to browse the web with Google Chrome on a much larger virtual screen, using gestures for navigation.
Google also announced that the first device to run Android XR is codenamed Project Moohan. Samsung will launch this XR headset in 2025. It is expected to rival the Apple Vision Pro in select markets, which was launched earlier this year, with a price tag of $3,499 (approximately Rs. 2.96 lakh).
Google will test Android XR on Smart Glasses
Smart glasses (or AR glasses) are said to be the future of XR technology and could offer most of the features available today without bulky components. Google says it is already preparing for these technologies with Android XR, and will soon begin real-world testing for prototype glasses running the new operating system.
Google Maps on an Android XR prototype
Photo credits: Google
Previews of Android Google Maps, along with a small circular map showing the same location. These classes could also automatically provide the ability to translate text and offer virtual tutorials using AR technology, according to the company.
