Android XR, specifically designed for what the company refers to as "extended reality" devices, including smart glasses and headsets. This initiative marks Google's renewed effort to establish a foothold in the headset market. The company has partnered with Samsung and various other hardware manufacturers to develop these devices, and it is now making the Android XR software available to developers, with plans to begin shipping compatible headsets and glasses next year.
Features and Functionality of Android XR
The Verge's Victoria Song, early demonstrations and prototypes showcase the potential of this new system. Google is working on immersive versions of popular applications like Maps, Photos, and YouTube, and it is also developing a version of Chrome that supports multi-window multitasking. Additionally, Android XR will be compatible with existing apps from the Play Store, similar to how Apple handles iPad apps with its Vision Pro.
Google Gemini. Shahram Izadi, the company's Vice President for Augmented and Mixed Reality, indicated that previous projects like Google Glass and Daydream lacked the AI capabilities that are essential for success in this space.
Google's Hardware and Partnerships
In addition to launching a mixed reality platform for third-party headsets, Google is also developing its own smart glasses. The company has already conducted media demonstrations of a prototype and has distributed development kits to software creators. Journalists who tested the prototype noted its impressive language translation capabilities and contextual understanding.
Samsung’s Project Moohan. This collaboration reflects the longstanding partnership between Google and Samsung. Currently, Project Moohan is expected to launch in 2025, although delays are always possible.
The design concept for Project Moohan has been revealed, and it shares similarities with the Apple Vision Pro, particularly in size and form. Samsung has promised advanced display technology and "natural multimodal input," suggesting features that may rival those of the Apple device. More details are anticipated during Samsung's next Unpacked event in January 2025.
The XR Landscape and Market Competition
Project Orion, which will overlay icons and content in a user’s field of view.
The term "XR" encompasses a broad range of experiences, from virtual reality to augmented reality and mixed reality. Google appears to have chosen this terminology to signify its commitment to a comprehensive spectrum of immersive experiences. As Samat, a Google executive, explained, "When we say extended reality or XR, we’re really talking about a whole spectrum of experiences."
Google envisions headsets that can fluidly switch between virtual environments and the real world, akin to the Apple Vision Pro, as well as smart glasses that serve as constant companions. The company is also exploring audio-only devices similar to the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. Some of these technologies may function independently, while others will likely complement existing smartphones.
Looking Ahead
Shahram Izadi emphasized the transformative journey of Android, which has evolved from powering just smartphones to encompassing a wide range of devices, including tablets, watches, TVs, and cars. He stated, “Now, we’re taking the next step into the future. Advancements in AI are making interacting with computers more natural and conversational.”
As Android XR enters its early developmental phase, developers are just beginning to receive the necessary software and hardware. Google aims to expedite the rollout, with its collaboration with Samsung—codenamed Moohan—slated for release next year. Android XR represents a culmination of Google’s investments in AI, the Android ecosystem, and the future of wearable technology, setting the stage for a significant test: whether consumers will embrace these new devices.
Zainab Y.
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