Google Unveils Android XR Platform, Debuts on Samsung’s Project Moohan
Android XR, A New Era in Extended Reality: Google has announced the launch of Android XR, a platform designed to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into extended reality (XR) applications. The new platform aims to support app development for devices such as headsets and AR glasses, marking another major step in Google’s foray into immersive technologies.
Rethink what is possible with Android XR. It is a new OS for headsets and glasses that blends digital info with the real world. New ways to watch, work and explore are coming soon. Discover more → https://t.co/Zw6EDtwVsH #AndroidXR pic.twitter.com/amlE3ZHT1E
— Android (@Android) December 12, 2024
The Android XR developer preview, unveiled on Thursday, integrates seamlessly with existing tools, including ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR, providing developers with an ecosystem to build innovative XR solutions.
Project Moohan: Samsung and Google Collaboration
Android XR will debut on Samsung’s Project Moohan, a highly anticipated XR headset expected to hit the market next year. The product, a collaborative effort between Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm, was initially slated for release earlier this year but faced delays due to internal disagreements over project control.
Project Moohan promises a hybrid experience, offering users the flexibility to switch between immersive virtual environments and augmented reality overlays seamlessly. The headset will include advanced functionalities, such as control via Google’s AI assistant Gemini, which enables users to interact with and query app content directly.
App Ecosystem and Competitive Positioning
A key advantage of Android XR is its compatibility with Android’s existing ecosystem. Google stated that most mobile and tablet apps available on the Play Store will work on Android XR devices. This positions the platform to counter Apple’s Vision Pro, which launched with limited app availability and comes with a steep $3,600 price tag.
While pricing details for the Project Moohan headset remain under wraps, Google’s integration of a vast app library could provide an edge in consumer adoption, offering functionality and accessibility from the outset.
Enhancing Developer Capabilities
Google is also enhancing its development toolkit by introducing the Android XR Emulator in Android Studio. This feature allows developers to test and visualize apps in a virtual XR environment, complete with navigation tools for spatial interaction using keyboards and mice.
Furthermore, the company is redesigning flagship apps like YouTube, Google TV, Chrome, and Maps for XR-compatible screens, ensuring an immersive user experience. Notably, Google has chosen not to release a YouTube app for Apple’s Vision Pro, potentially signaling its competitive strategy.
Future Prospects and Partnerships
Beyond headsets, Google envisions Android XR extending to smart glasses capable of providing “all-day help.” While consumer-ready glasses are not yet available, Google is actively testing prototypes with select users.
Collaborations with companies such as Lynx, Sony, and XReal, which use Qualcomm’s XR technologies, are expected to yield more Android XR-compatible devices. Google will also continue its partnership with Magic Leap, though the extent of integration with Android XR remains uncertain.
Aiming for Long-Term Impact
Google’s past experiments with AR and VR, including Project Tango, Daydream, and Cardboard VR, met limited success. With XR, the company hopes to create a unified platform that appeals to hardware manufacturers and software developers alike, solidifying its position in the competitive XR landscape.
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