Official announcements from Google or major tech news outlets

Google and Samsung Launch Android XR for Mixed Reality in 2025 with Gemini AI

Dec 12, 2024, 11:14 PM

Google, in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, has announced Android XR, a new operating system designed to power mixed reality (MR) headsets and smart glasses. This platform aims to create a unified ecosystem for extended reality (XR) devices, supporting both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The first device to run on Android XR will be Samsung's upcoming mixed reality headset, codenamed 'Project Moohan,' expected to launch in 2025. Android XR integrates seamlessly with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, Google's software suite, and Qualcomm's hardware expertise, offering users a blend of physical and virtual worlds. Key features include multimodal interactions, spatial windows for apps, and immersive experiences with Google services like Google TV, Google Maps, and YouTube. The platform also supports existing Android apps from the Play Store, allowing for immediate access to a vast library of content. Developers can start building for Android XR using familiar tools like Android Studio, Unity, and OpenXR, with Google providing new capabilities through vendor extensions to enhance user interaction and content creation. Google's XR ambitions involve partnerships with Samsung, Qualcomm, and other hardware manufacturers to develop headsets and glasses. Samsung's Project Moohan will be powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 system-on-chip (SoC) and features state-of-the-art displays, support for hand, eye, and voice input, and is designed for comfort with balanced weight distribution. Gemini AI will be integrated into Android XR, enabling natural language and multimodal AI interactions. Unity promises day-one support for Android XR, including easy ports for existing Quest content, and WebXR is supported for web developers.