Google may not have fared up well with smart glass or headsets featuring AR in the past. For instance, there were high hopes with Cardboard, Glass, and Daydream. And, the idea was good but maybe, the execution wasn’t. But, it has recently introduced Android XR in partnership with Qualcomm and Samsung.
In fact, many other hardware manufacturers seem to have pitched in. It won’t be wrong to say that as far as AR (Augmented reality), VR (Virtual reality), and MR (Mixed reality) spaces are concerned, this move may hint towards an intriguing future. And, here’s how –
The brand-new operating system, as the name suggests, is aimed at XR devices such as virtual headsets, augmented reality glasses, and the like. Google has launched something as major as this operating system in around 8 years. In this post, we’ll dive deeper on what Android XR is and what you can expect from this operating system.
What is Android XR? And, What’s In It For Developers?
As the company has stated in a blog post – If you build on Android, you’re already building for XR.
First, let’s discuss why XR? As Sameer Samat, President, of Android Ecosystem puts it –
When we say extended reality or XR, we’re really talking about a whole spectrum of experiences, from virtual reality to augmented reality and everything in between.
Android XR works similarly to any other OS for AR and VR devices such as glasses or headsets. You can launch apps, play games, work with data, and do other things while viewing through the hardware’s viewing system. You can use air gestures, voice commands, or traditional VR controllers for all of these things.
Since we mentioned apps, Google is all set to add the “Google Play Store” to Android XR. For example, you can experiment with Photos, Google Chrome, Google Meet, etc in extended reality. To take it a notch further, there will be separate apps for YouTube, and Google TV for a more immersive experience.
Google also says that it is also developing a version of Google Chrome with which you will be able to perform multiwindow multitasking in your browser. There will also be support for existing phones and tablet apps from the Google Play Store (quite like the Vision Pro that supports iPad apps)
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The Role of Gemini AI In Android XR-Based Devices
What’s going to play an important role in Android XR is the Gemini AI. Thanks to it, the headset will feature XR passthrough capabilities, state-of-the-art displays, and natural multimodal mode. Plus, partners will be able to deliver more immersive spatial computing experiences.
Google says that generative AI will make every device and application developed for Android AI more powerful and intuitive. There will be less dependence on physical controllers and you will be able to interact with apps using voice and gestures.
It goes without saying that you will be able to connect to the intelligent AI assistant and complete tasks, ask questions, and do much more.
What Is In It For Developers?
In a blog post, Shahram Izadi, the vice president, and general manager of Google’s XR team wrote –
| Android XR is designed to be an open, unified platform for XR headsets and glasses. 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 combines years of investment in AR, AI, and VR. The latest release offers a preview for developers –
– Google has launched a developer preview for Android XR SDK.
– From the beginning, this preview supports tools like Android Studio, ARCore, Unity, Jetpack Compose, and OpenXR.
– OpenXR will offer a wide range of world-sensing capabilities such as sophisticated light estimation capabilities, AI-powered hand mesh, and detailed depth textures. It will also come with new trackability for devices like laptops.
– Developers will be able to create experiences for the OS using Unity’s technologies.
– As of now the OS is available on preview for developers who are looking to build games and apps for Android XR devices, and the tools mentioned above will help them in building them.
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Project Moohan
By next year, i.e. 2025, Samsung is set to launch a VR headset powered by Android XR. It is codenamed as “Project Moohan”. Samsung will launch the headset in partnership with Qualcomm. More specifically, it will have the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 processor. Just to give you a hint of what you can expect, as of now Project Moohan looks like a mash between Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3.
What Can You Expect from The Headsets?
With Android XR headsets (or maybe other AR/ VR devices) you can effortlessly switch between the virtual environment you are immersed in, and the real world. Moreover, you will be able to fill your space around with content, and apps. What’s even better? You can use Gemini to control or see on your device.
Also, quite like Meta Ray Ban devices, the smart glasses featuring Android XR will use Gemini to deliver information about translations, items that are in the user’s line of sight, or message summaries in audio format.
Wrapping Up
Android XR and the AR and VR devices that will support the operating system are still in a very nascent (prototype) stage. What are your expectations from Android XR? Do drop in your suggestions, and views in the comments section below. For more such content, keep reading Tweak Library.