Google and Samsung Unveil Android XR for Mixed Reality Devices

Dec 12, 2024, 04:11 PM

Google and Samsung have unveiled Android XR, a new operating system designed specifically for extended reality (XR) devices, including both headsets and smart glasses. This platform aims to integrate seamlessly with existing Android ecosystems, allowing for a wide range of applications from Google Play to work out-of-the-box on XR devices. The first device to feature Android XR will be Samsung's Project Moohan, a mixed-reality headset set to launch in 2025. Project Moohan, which resembles a blend of Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro in design, promises to offer immersive experiences with capabilities like automatic IPD adjustment, hand and eye tracking, and a unique AI agent, Gemini. This AI, part of Google's Project Astra, enhances user interaction by understanding and responding to natural language commands and providing contextual awareness. Android XR is not just about hardware; it's about creating an ecosystem where developers can easily adapt their apps for XR, supported by tools like ARCore, Android Studio, and Unity. Google also plans to test prototype smart glasses with Android XR, aiming for a future where smart glasses become an everyday wearable, offering features like real-time translation and navigation.