Google and Samsung announced on Thursday a significant partnership to launch Android XR, a new operating system designed for extended reality (XR) devices, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) headsets.
This collaboration also involves Qualcomm, aiming to create a vibrant ecosystem for developers and device manufacturers.
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The vision behind Android XR
The initiative is spearheaded by Sameer Samat, Google’s President of the Android Ecosystem. He stated, “We are at an inflexion point for the XR, where breakthroughs in multimodal AI enable natural and intuitive ways to use technology in your everyday life.”
The first device showcasing this technology is Samsung’s Project Moohan, named after the Korean word for “infinity,” which will be available in 2025.
This headset promises advanced features such as state-of-the-art displays and natural multi-modal input.
Android XR aims to leverage familiar Android tools and applications, allowing developers to create immersive experiences using existing platforms like ARCore and Unity.
Google’s strategy mirrors its approach in the smartphone market, focusing on building a diverse ecosystem rather than controlling hardware production entirely, as seen with Apple’s Vision Pro.
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Future prospects
The announcement comes after Google’s previous attempts in the XR space, notably with Google Glass and Daydream VR. While those efforts faced challenges, Google believes advancements in AI and technology now position Android XR for success.
Samat emphasised that integrating Gemini AI into the user experience will be pivotal: “A digital assistant integrated with the XR experience is the killer app”.
This assistant will enhance user interaction by understanding context and intent, making technology more accessible and intuitive.
As Google prepares to roll out Android XR, it has partnered with various companies, such as Adobe and Calm, to develop applications tailored for this platform. The potential for a wide range of devices from partners such as Sony and Lynx suggests that Android XR could cater to diverse user needs across different price points and functionalities.
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