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We suppose second time’s the charm – Google recently took the wraps off Android XR, a new approach to mobile computing via extended reality software platforms – think VR headsets and displays, for example. The difference this time around is that Google promises experiences beyond VR, combining newer AI technology and augmented reality for more helpful user experiences.
Created in collaboration with Samsung, Google says that it’s aiming to develop a rich ecosystem for device manufacturers and developers with Android XR, as well as big names in the industry including Qualcomm.
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As such, Android XR in its current state serves mainly as a developer preview version, and will support several tools including ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR, to name a few. First-party Google apps such as YouTube, Google Photos and Google TV will also be redesigned to better suit Android XR, and we can expect more Android apps to follow suit.
For hardware, Google adds that it will be working towards a wide selection of devices from brands like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx. This also includes Samsung’s recently-announced Project Moohan, although Samsung hasn’t shared too much information regarding the product.
While it’s a bit similar in concept to Google’s somewhat underwhelming Google Glass from several years ago, Android serving as the backbone for this newer (and more third-party friendly) approach to XR software and hardware could be the magic formula that Google’s been looking for after all these years. Of course it’s still too early too tell, but so far a lot seems promising.
Source: Google
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