Google has unveiled Android XR, the new operating system for extended reality devices. This is a direct answer from Google to Apple Vision Pro and the software giant is building upon its strengths to provide an open platform for a wide variety of XR devices. In this MSP Explained article, let’s dive deep into what Android XR is, its key features, app support, release date, and more.
What is Android XR?
Android XR is a new operating system from Google for XR devices like headsets, glasses, and more. XR in Android XR stands for “extended reality,” an umbrella term for virtual, mixed, augmented, and extended reality. This will work for all types of headsets, glasses, and other upcoming devices.
Android XR is Google’s take on what an extended reality operating system could be. It is built on the same foundation as Android, one of the most popular operating systems ever created.
All the Android applications work out of the box on Android XR devices, and developers get all the tools like ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR to develop experiences natively for Android XR and port existing Android applications to XR.
Google mentions that Android XR “is designed to be an open, unified platform for XR headsets and glasses,” and we shall see Android XR on a variety of Headsets, Glasses and more, commencing with Project Moohan.
The Competition: Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest and more
Apple Vision Pro was touted to be the next big thing from Apple but failed to set the sales charts on fire. But that’s not the end; the XR market is developing rapidly, and companies are launching different headsets and glasses to build the next generation of computing and entertainment. Meta is building its Quest devices on an open platform called Horizon OS, which Meta is now opening up to third-party companies.
There are also various companies like Lynx, XREAL, and Rokid, which are endeavouring to make standalone headsets with their operating systems and software. Google mentions that it is opening up a pathway for partners of Qualcomm such as Lynx, Sony and XREAL in the official blog post. It will be interesting to observe how these smaller XR companies adapt Android XR on their devices and how the market will evolve in future.
Android XR vs visionOS
Drawing parallels to mobile operating systems – Android and iOS, Android XR is the direct competitor to visionOS. visionOS is designed specifically for the Apple Vision Pro while Android XR will be available on different extended reality headsets and glasses from different manufacturers, just like how Android OS powers various smartphones from brands.
Here’s how Android XR and visionOS compare each other based on features:
| Feature | Android XR | visionOS |
| App Ecosystem |
|
|
| AI Integration | Gemini AI for real-time assistance | Siri integration for voice commands |
| Device Compatibility | Designed for various XR headsets and smart glasses from various manufacturers. | Only on Apple Vision Pro |
| Ecosystem | Integrates with Google services (Maps, Assistant) | Deep integration with Apple ecosystem (iCloud, HomeKit) |
| Availability | First device expected in 2025 (Samsung) | Available now with the Vision Pro |
What Can Devices With Android XR Do?
If you’re familiar with mixed reality headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest headsets and how they work, Android XR-based devices will do just that, and more.
Android XR devices will allow users to experience immersive experiences, and headsets can switch between virtual environments and the real world, with which users can fill their space with apps and content.
With Gemini AI assistant, users can have conversations about what’s in front of them, and perform tasks like live translation, Circle to Search, and more. For the first time, the whole suite of Google apps such as YouTube, Chrome, Google Photos, Google Maps, and more are coming to XR devices.
Android XR Features
- Multimodal Input – Android XR supports different types of inputs like hand gestures, eye tracking, voice commands, and even traditional inputs like keyboard and mouse.
- Gemini AI Integration – Android XR comes with deep integration with Gemini AI assistant that can “understand and act on what you say and see,” and also comes with AI features like Circle to Search, Live Translate and more.
- Spatial Computing – Android XR supports spatial computing and users can fill the spaces around them with apps and content. Devices with Android XR will support multi-window, multitasking, and more.
- Android App Support – Supports Android apps out of the box. It will come with Play Store pre-installed, and users can access mobile and tablet apps seamlessly on XR devices.
What About Apps?
Android XR is based on Android and all the mobile and tablet apps on Android will work out of the box. Google mentions all of its apps such as YouTube, Google TV, Google Photos, Google Maps, and more are being reimagined for the OS.
With this Android XR preview, Google is inviting developers globally to build immersive apps specific to Android XR. Google has released the Android XR SDK developer preview with which developers can adapt their apps to match extended reality experiences for headsets and glasses.
Android XR Release Date
Android XR is scheduled to launch in 2025. The Android XR SDK developer preview is currently available for developers to create extended reality experiences for Android XR.
Android XR-based Samsung Headset – Project Moohan
The first product coming out with Android XR is a headset codenamed Project Moohan. Google and Samsung are working on this new headset, which is slated to launch in 2025.
Samsung says the device comes with “state-of-the-art displays, passthrough capabilities, and natural multi-modal input.” Samsung didn’t reveal much about the device; it only teased the design.
While more details and specifications of Project Moohan are yet to be known, Qualcomm previously confirmed that Samsung and Google are going to utilize the Snapdragon XR2 Plus platform for their XR headset.
Android XR: What More to Expect?
Extended reality (XR) technology is only getting started, and with Android XR, Google is taking a shot at positioning itself as a key player in the upcoming XR market. With Project Moohan, Google got a strong partner with Samsung, and seems like it has got the hardware sorted. As the XR technology continues to evolve, Android XR stands in contrast to Apple’s closed ecosystem and visionOS. Let’s wait for the scheduled 2025 launch of Android XR and Project Moohan.
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