In the rapidly evolving world of extended reality (XR), Google is making significant strides to solidify Android XR as a major platform. Following the launch of Samsung's Galaxy XR headset, Google has unveiled a suite of new features and development tools aimed at enhancing the user experience and broadening the ecosystem. This move positions Android XR not just as a competitor to Apple's visionOS, but as a versatile foundation for a new generation of wearable devices, from immersive headsets to everyday smart glasses.
Google Introduces Key Android XR Features for Samsung's Headset
Google has detailed several new features now in beta for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, bringing it closer in functionality to the Apple Vision Pro. A standout addition is PC Connect, which allows users to wirelessly stream applications from a Windows PC directly to the headset's display. This enables productivity tasks or playing 2D PC games within the XR environment, mirroring the Mac integration feature of the Vision Pro. However, the headset's focus on extended reality means it does not support full virtual reality PC titles. Another significant feature is Travel Mode, designed to stabilize virtual screens for users in moving vehicles like trains and airplanes, addressing a common challenge for mobile XR use. Furthermore, Google is introducing "Likenesses," which are realistic 3D avatars of the user's face for video calls. This feature, similar to Apple's Personas, aims to make communication more natural by showing a digital representation of the user instead of a person obscured by a headset.
New Android XR Features (Beta for Samsung Galaxy XR)
- PC Connect: Wirelessly stream apps and 2D games from a Windows PC.
- Travel Mode: Stabilizes virtual screens for use in moving vehicles.
- Likenesses: 3D user avatars for video calls.
Announced Android XR Hardware
- Samsung Galaxy XR: First Android XR headset (released October 2025).
- Samsung Smart Glasses: In development, launch details TBA.
- XREAL Project Aura: Wired Android XR glasses with 70-degree FOV, launching in 2025.
Key Developer Announcements
- Unified Development: Build once, deploy across all Android XR devices.
- New SDK Tools: Early access for glasses development, including Jetpack Compose Glimmer and Jetpack Projected.
- Expanded Support: Android XR SDK preview with headset/glasses APIs, ARCore geospatial features, Field of View API, and Unreal Engine support.
A Unified Development Platform for Android XR and Smart Glasses
Perhaps the most strategic announcement is Google's creation of a unified app development platform for Android and Android XR. This initiative allows developers to build an application once and deploy it across the entire family of Android XR devices, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for populating the new platform with software. The company confirmed that Samsung is actively developing smart glasses for the Android XR ecosystem, though specific launch details remain under wraps. To support development for these upcoming glasses, Google is providing early access tools. Jetpack Compose Glimmer will enable developers to create lightweight information overlays, while Jetpack Projected will allow existing Android apps to extend their interfaces onto glasses displays. Deep integration with the Gemini AI is expected to power features like real-time translation and visual search directly on the glasses.
Expanding the Hardware Ecosystem Beyond Headsets
Google's vision for Android XR extends far beyond standalone headsets. The platform is being explicitly designed for smart glasses, with devices expected to launch in the coming year. These glasses will come in various forms, from screenless models that interact with users via Gemini through audio and cameras, to models with in-lens displays for showing navigation or translated text. Google also highlighted the expansion of Android XR compatibility to third-party hardware, specifically naming XREAL's Project Aura. These wired glasses, set for a 2025 launch, offer a 70-degree field of view and support for Android XR apps in a see-through interface, blending the portability of glasses with headset-like functionality. This broad hardware strategy aims to make XR experiences more accessible and integrated into daily life.
Developer Tools and the Competitive XR Landscape
To empower developers, Google has released a preview of the Android XR SDK with new capabilities. It includes headset API improvements and full development support for AI glasses. ARCore upgrades for Jetpack XR bring geospatial features for accurate wayfinding and location-based content. A new Field of View API will help apps automatically adapt their layouts for different devices, whether a wide-FOV headset or narrower smart glasses. Furthermore, support for Unreal Engine's native Android and OpenXR tools opens high-end 3D development to the platform. This push comes as the XR market sees renewed activity from various players. While giants like Google, Meta, Apple, and Samsung pivot attention towards smart glasses—despite lingering privacy concerns—companies like Valve are doubling down on virtual reality with new hardware like the Steam Frame headset, which may even support Android apps sideloaded by users.
The Road Ahead for Android XR
Google's recent announcements mark a pivotal phase for Android XR, transitioning from a headset-centric platform to a comprehensive ecosystem for spatial computing. By introducing compelling user features, unifying development, and embracing diverse form factors from headsets to glasses, Google is building a flexible and open alternative in a market still defining its future. The success of this strategy will hinge on attracting developers to create compelling experiences and on hardware partners like Samsung and XREAL to deliver innovative and accessible devices. As these new tools reach developers and features roll out to users, the coming year will be a critical test of whether Android XR can become the ubiquitous platform for extended reality that Google envisions.