Android XR. Photo: Google.
Google has just announced a new operating system. It's called Android XR and it's Google's OS for various types of headsets – augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality.
Android XR was developed in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm. The first headset that will run this operating system is codenamed Project Moohan. It's made by Samsung and is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip.
Word on the street is that Samsung will tease this device at its Galaxy S25 event, which is expected to take place in January next year, and that it will be available for sale sometime later in the year.
3D Google Photos. Photo: Google.
At the heart of Android XR is Gemini AI, which is tightly integrated into the operating system. This allows wearers to get quick answers and conveniently control their devices. Because it's Android, mobile apps and games from Google Play will work out of the box, and Google is expecting more apps and games made for XR to arrive next year.
Circle to Search. Photo: Google.
Certain Google apps will also be reworked for headsets, with a virtual big screen for YouTube or Google TV, as well as 3D Google Photos. Multiple virtual Chrome screens will allow multitaskers to work efficiently, and a simple gesture will activate Circle to Search to find information on an item.
Map directions. Photo: Google.
Android XR will also be supported on smart glasses, offering features like translation, map directions and message summaries without needing to pull out a phone.
Ultimately, Google's goal is for Android XR to be an open and unified platform for all kinds of XR headsets and glasses – much like how Android is for smartphones. To that end, Google is also hosting an Android XR developer bootcamp in early 2025 where developers can participate in technical sessions and get early access to headsets that are still in development.
Source: Google
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.