The Android XR glasses from Google looks like the most exciting gadget in years – but the headset makes me want more
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- Android XR has been shown by Google on I/O 2025
- It is highly dependent on AI to deliver many of its functions, such as live translation
- The headset looks interesting, but the glasses are the true star
Google has finally picked up the lid of Android XR Google I/O 2025 To show us what the operating system Will be able to be able to launch ando XR heads and glasses later this year when it will be launched later this year.
We didn’t see everything I hoped we would do, but we did learn what Google’s Silver Bullet will be in XR: Google Gemini. The AI-centric approach was demonstrated on both hardware types-ar glasses and mixed reality headsets.
Starting with the latter, Google gave a public version of Project Moohan Headset – demonstrations that it has carried out private for media and technical experts. It emphasizes some standard headset benefits, such as the benefits of a compelling screen for multi-tasking-We were shown a user YouTube” Google MapsAnd a travel blog while investigating a location that they intend to visit.
Then, at an impressive moment, that user asks Gemini if he “can take me to Florence”. Gemini obliged by opening The compelling 3D card from Google and gives them a bird’s eye view of the city and some orientation points (including the iconic cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, that Assassin’s Creed 2 Players will be very famous).
Then there is the glasses. In a few different scenarios, Google emphasized how Android XR specifications can make your life easier with hands-free controls and a head-up display.
You can prepare and send messages to your contacts, gain access to live translation with subtitles on the screen, search for Google Maps recommendations and then get a route description for a location and take photos with the camera of the glasses and immediately see a preview of the recording.
It is reminiscent of what the Ray-Ban glasses of Meta are capable of, and it is exactly what we expect that the rumors of Meta with a display will be able to be (read: when) they will be shown later this year.
To be honest, I expected more from Google in the headset department.
Android XR certainly seems neat, but I don’t have to see any reason why it is better than – or, to a certain extent, on the same basis – with the competition (*cough* Meta Quest 3 *cough*). However, I am at least a bit hopeful that by the time that project is ready to launch for consumers (this is being plagued for release “later this year”), some of the disappointment of Android XR will be tackled.
For now, the headset certainly seems as if he is playing the second violin for the real Android XR star: the glasses.
Not only are most exhibited Android XR functions (which look very useful) for a device that you would always wear, I am surprised by how much choice Google already offers us in the field of hardware.
Samsung Works on Android XR Tech, but also Xreal With his Aura projectAnd stylish glasses brands Soft Monster and Warby Parker. And the promise of Google that it ‘starts with’ these brands suggest that there are more partners on the road.
This abundance of your choice is fantastic for two important reasons.
First, more choice prices must remain competitive. Meta’s display is equipped smart glasses Reportedly cost more than $ 1,000 With insiders who expect costs in the range of $ 1,300- $ 1,400 (that would be around £ 1,000 £ 1,100 or au $ 2,050-au $ 2,200).
With more glass options to choose from, we may see that the prices fall faster to more affordable levels than if there were only one or two players in the game.
Secondly, just like other fashion accessories, glasses must prioritize style to a certain extent. Useful is important, but if we are expected to wear smart glasses every day every day, just like any other accessory they need to match our identity.
By working together with a series of different brands from the Poort-De Aesthetics of Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, almost polar contradictions for each other-Android XR Tech should appeal to a wider audience than the Ray-Ban-Alleen approach of the meta, because it will offer a wide range of fashion niches.
They are still early days for Android XR, and there are crucial details that we still miss, but Google has certainly come out with its latest operating system
I will pay close attention to Google’s Android XR demos and are looking for more concrete information about the upcoming hardware. For now, however, Google certainly has me on the hook.
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