Google is expanding its Android operating system to support extended reality (XR) devices like VR headsets and AR smart glasses. This new platform, called Android XR, is designed from the ground up to support XR experiences. Google believes that recent advancements in AI make this the perfect time to launch such a platform. The company envisions a future where VR headsets and AR smart glasses become mainstream, powered by Android XR.

Samsung is already working on the first hardware to run Android XR, with a VR headset set to launch in 2025. Qualcomm is developing the chipsets for these devices. Android XR will support a wide range of experiences, from gaming and productivity to lifestyle and healthcare. Google aims to create a unifying platform for XR devices, similar to how Android unifies mobile devices.

Google's Gemini AI is a key component of Android XR. It enables multimodal interactions, allowing users to control apps through hand gestures and voice commands. Android XR will also support apps like Google Photos, Google TV, and YouTube, providing an immersive viewing experience.

While the first devices running Android XR will be VR headsets, smart glasses are also in development. These glasses will focus on lifestyle use cases, such as translating signs and providing turn-by-turn navigation. They will rely heavily on the user's smartphone for processing power, a strategy known as split-compute configuration.

The success of Android XR will depend on how well Google can convince developers to create immersive VR games and apps. Only time will tell if Google's renewed vision for XR will finally catch on with the masses.

Google's New Android XR: A New Era for VR and AR Devices

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