Google publicly announced the Android XR release on December 12, 2024. It is a completely new operating system designed specifically for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) devices.
Initially, the tech giant plans to ship headsets. There are proposed plans to add smart glasses to the Android XR platform’s list of compatible wearables. Google is currently in the process of making these glasses under Project Astra.
According to a blog post by Shahram Izadi, Google's Vice President and General Manager of XR, Android XR is designed as an open, unified platform for XR headsets and glasses. He further explains, "For users, this means more choice of devices and access to apps they already know and love. For developers, it's a unified platform with opportunities to build experiences for a wide range of devices using familiar Android tools and frameworks".
Android XR supports Gemini, a series of flagship large language models from Google. Gemini LLM integration will enable users to interact with objects in their space while receiving rich, descriptive answers. The answer could range from knowing how to assemble a piece of furniture to asking about the weather. Android XR features will also include Google Maps for navigation with voice prompts as users see directions to follow.
Android XR will support all mobile apps in Google's Play Store. For developers, it will be compatible with popular tools like Android Studio. This means that developers can use their toolchains to build apps for the new OS without replacing them.
The first device to ship with Android XR is Samsung's headset, codenamed ‘Project Moohan’. This lightweight and comfortable headset will provide an alternative to devices like Apple's Vision Pro. Qualcomm's XR2 Gen 2 system-on-chip powers it and supports up to a dozen external cameras. Moohan has an internal display with a resolution of 4,300 x 4,000 pixels. It allows users to switch between VR and AR modes via a double tap on the side.
Samsung's Project Moohan headgear uses a standalone battery pack through a USB-C connection. Multiple battery packs with differing amounts of battery life are also planned so that users can choose what fits their needs.
While Samsung plans to release Project Moohan by next year, Android XR will be available through headsets from other vendors. In addition, Google has confirmed that the new OS will extend to smart glasses. The company has not yet shared a timeline for releasing the XR smart glasses.
Google has developed several prototype smart glasses as part of its Project Astra initiative. These glasses use microLED display technology. Thus offering higher resolutions and lower power consumption than current display technologies while being more durable.
Android XR is a historical event for Google, opening the doors to the exciting new XR space. The Android XR platform seamlessly integrates Google services and supports several devices. It promises to be a game changer both for users and developers in terms of VR and AR.