Google on Thursday announced Android XR as a new operating system designed for extended reality (XR) devices, with support for its Gemini AI assistant. It is expected to come with its upcoming mixed reality headset as well as smart glasses, and Google says it will offer support for features that include artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Depend on. Apple released VisionOS in 2023 as its dedicated operating system designed for the Apple Vision Pro, and offers support for running apps designed for the headset as well as iPad apps.
Android XR developer preview released to encourage developer support
The company says the first developer preview of Android XR that was released on Thursday will enable the development of apps and games for upcoming devices that will come with the new operating system. It includes support for tools already used by developers working on Android applications, such as Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, ARCore, OpenXR, and Unity.
The new Android XR operating system will allow users to access Google’s Gemini AI Assistant, which will offer features designed for XR experiences. This means that users will be able to talk to the Assistant and ask questions about objects and locations within their field of view, or even with a gesture using the Circle to Search feature available on select Android phones. Will be able to do visual lookup together. ,
In addition to these AI features, Google says its in-house applications like YouTube, Google Photos, and Google TV will be redesigned to work on virtual displays similar to those created by Apple for viewing content on larger, immersive Seems like adding support. The screen is visible while wearing the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Google TV on Android XR
Photo Credit: Google
Meanwhile, Google Maps will offer support for a modified Immersive View feature, while users can also browse the web using Google Chrome on a much larger virtual screen, using gestures for navigation.
Google has also announced that the first device that will run on Android XR is codenamed Project Moohan. Samsung will launch this XR headset in 2025. It is expected to compete with the Apple Vision Pro, which was launched earlier this year in select markets with a price tag of $3,499 (roughly Rs. 2.96 lakh).
Google will start testing Android XR on smart glasses
Smart glasses (or AR glasses) are said to be the future of XR technology, and can provide most of the features available today without the bulky components. Google says it’s already preparing for these technologies with Android XR, and will soon begin real-world testing for prototype Glasses running on the new OS.
Google Maps on Android XR prototype
Photo Credit: Google
Using Android Google Maps on these prototype devices shared by the company, a small circular map of the same location is shown. According to the company, these classes can also automatically translate text and offer virtual tutorials using AR technology.
