# Android XR: All You Need to Know About Google’s New Mixed Reality Platform
Android XR represents Google’s bold re-entry into the extended reality (XR) domain, crafted to drive the upcoming generation of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) gadgets. Developed in partnership with Samsung, this platform aspires to mesh artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive applications into smart glasses, AR eyewear, and mixed-reality head-mounted displays. Through Android XR, Google is establishing itself as a pivotal entity in the XR landscape, vying with well-known platforms like Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s Vision Pro.
In this piece, we’ll explore how Android XR functions, the companies adopting it, the features and applications it supports, and what to expect regarding its practical implementation.
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## What is Android XR?
Android XR, an abbreviation for “Android eXtended Reality,” is a tailored version of Android specifically for wearable XR devices. Similar to how Wear OS caters to smartwatches, Android XR is fine-tuned to address the singular challenges of AR glasses, VR headsets, and mixed-reality equipment. These devices necessitate efficient processing, superior tracking functions, and smooth AI integration, all housed within compact hardware.
The term “XR” covers virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). While traditional smart glasses featuring audio-only functions generally do not belong in this category, Google has incorporated them into its vision for Android XR due to their compatibility with Gemini, the next-generation AI assistant from Google.
Android XR lays the essential software groundwork for XR devices, enabling them to operate applications from the Google Play Store, utilize advanced tracking capabilities like hand and eye tracking, and offer immersive experiences. By accommodating both AR and VR, Android XR seeks to become a flexible platform catering to a variety of use cases, spanning gaming, productivity, entertainment, and communication.
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## Key Features of Android XR
### 1. **AI-Powered Gemini Assistant**
Central to Android XR is Google Gemini, an AI assistant designed to enrich XR experiences. Gemini employs sensors and cameras to “see” and “hear” the user’s environment, facilitating natural voice commands, contextual insights, and gesture-based navigation. For instance, you can inquire Gemini about your surroundings or use voice commands to traverse the XR interface.
### 2. **Universal App Compatibility**
Android XR upholds WebXR and OpenXR standards, guaranteeing compatibility across a diverse array of XR applications. Developers can utilize resources such as Android Studio, ARCore, Jetpack Compose, and Unity to build or enhance applications for the platform. Current Android applications will function on Android XR, although developers are encouraged to tailor their apps for 3D settings.
### 3. **Immersive Google Apps**
Google is extending its suite of applications to Android XR, featuring:
– **YouTube** and **Google TV** for 360º video viewing.
– **Google Photos** for 3D imagery.
– **Google Maps Immersive View** for augmented navigation.
– **Google Meet** facilitating virtual gatherings.
– **Chrome** enhanced with AI-driven features like “Circle to Search.”
### 4. **Advanced Tracking Capabilities**
Android XR comprises hand tracking, controller tracking, and eye tracking, enabling intuitive interactions reminiscent of those on the Apple Vision Pro. The availability of these features is contingent upon the hardware specifications of the device, such as external cameras for hand tracking or inward-facing cameras for eye tracking.
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## Which Companies Are Using Android XR?
Google has collaborated with various hardware producers to launch Android XR devices. Here’s a glimpse of some key contributors:
### 1. **Samsung’s Project Moohan**
Samsung’s Project Moohan is the premier Android XR device anticipated for release in 2025. The headset, whose name translates to “Infinity” in Korean, promises cutting-edge displays, passthrough features for mixed reality, and multimodal interaction. It will operate on the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, which allows up to 4.3K resolution per eye and offers notable performance advancements compared to earlier XR chipsets.
### 2. **Sony**
Sony is in the process of developing an Android XR headset that includes 4K OLED micro-displays, pancake lenses, and a flip-up visor design. The device is predicted to focus on productivity and premium XR experiences.
### 3. **Xreal**
Xreal, recognized for its AR glasses, is expected to unveil Android XR-compatible devices soon. Although its current products, such as the Xreal One, aim at spatial AR, the company is likely to incorporate Android XR for enhanced capabilities.
### 4. **Lynx**
Lynx, a maker of mixed-reality headsets, is developing a new Android XR device. This comes after the difficulties encountered with its previous headset, the Lynx R1.
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## Will Google Release Its Own Android XR Device?
Although Google is primarily focusing on the software development side of Android XR, it has
