Google is making another attempt at revolutionizing the wearable tech space with the announcement of Android XR, a new operating system designed specifically for extended reality (XR) devices. Despite previous struggles with headsets and smart glasses over the past decade, the tech giant unveiled this ambitious platform on Thursday, December 13.

According to Shahram Izadi, vice president and general manager of Google’s XR team, Android XR is designed as an open and unified platform to cater to both users and developers. For users, it promises a broader range of devices and access to familiar apps. For developers, it offers a unified framework with tools to create diverse experiences for XR devices using Android’s well-known tools and frameworks.

Google’s XR vision is bolstered by partnerships with hardware manufacturers like Samsung and Qualcomm. The first Android XR device, code-named Project Moohan, is being developed by Samsung and is anticipated to launch next year. This collaboration underscores Google’s commitment to creating a cohesive XR ecosystem with cutting-edge technology.

Extended Reality (XR) is a term encompassing technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). According to Sameer Samat, president of the Android ecosystem at Google, XR represents a spectrum of immersive experiences that blend the virtual and physical worlds. Samat emphasized the transformative potential of XR, comparing its future role to the importance of email and texting in the smartphone era.

The Android XR operating system is currently available in preview for developers aiming to create apps and games for upcoming XR devices. Google has also introduced support for development tools like RCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR to facilitate the creation of innovative XR content.

To enhance user experiences, Google is adapting its popular apps for XR environments. XR versions of Google Maps, Photos, and YouTube are in development, alongside a specialized version of Chrome that will allow users to multitask with multiple windows in an immersive setting. Moreover, Android XR devices will support existing Play Store apps for mobile and tablets, ensuring compatibility right from the start.

AI will be a core component of the Android XR experience. Google’s Gemini AI model is being enhanced with multimodal capabilities, enabling users to create and capture audio, among other features. The integration of AI aims to make XR interactions seamless and intuitive. For instance, users will be able to switch between virtual and real-world environments effortlessly and engage with apps and content in new, immersive ways.

Google’s announcement highlights its vision for Android XR as a platform that unites hardware and software innovations to redefine wearable technology. With partnerships, AI advancements, and developer-friendly tools, the company is setting the stage for a new era of immersive computing.

Disclaimer:This image is taken from Google.