Google announces 'Android XR', an OS for XR devices, allowing Android to be used with AR/VR headsets and smart glasses

Google has announced Android XR , an operating system for XR (cross reality). Developers can now freely develop Android apps for XR, and users can use Android apps such as YouTube and Google Photos on VR headsets.

Android XR: A new platform built for headsets and glasses

Android XR | Multidevice | Android Developers
https://developer.android.com/xr

Android Developers Blog: Introducing Android XR SDK Developer Preview
https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2024/12/introducing-android-xr-sdk-developer-preview.html

Android XR is an OS developed in collaboration with Samsung. The Android XR SDK for app development is built on the existing Android app development environment, and the Android XR SDK supports tools such as ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR out of the box, making it easy for developers to start creating apps and games for Android XR devices.

Unity has already published a guide on how to start building for Android XR, inviting people to get involved.

6 ways to get started building for Android XR in Unity 6
https://unity.com/ja/blog/6-ways-to-start-building-for-android-xr-with-unity-6

Google also states that 'most Android apps are compatible with Android XR without any additional development work.' In the future, Google Play will be introduced to Android XR, and most Android apps will be automatically available in the XR environment. A preview version of the SDK has already been released.

Several Google apps are already being rebuilt for the headset, allowing you to view YouTube and Google TV on a large virtual screen, look back at photos in Google Photos, use gestures to search , and even immerse yourself in cities and tourist attractions in Google Maps to get a look around your surroundings.


In the future, Android XR will also be integrated into XR glasses, allowing users to use it for navigation, translation, and more in their daily lives.


The XR glasses will also be integrated with the AI assistant Gemini, which will allow users to use accessibility features without having to look at their smartphone.


According to Google, the first devices running Android XR, called 'Project Moohan,' are being manufactured by Samsung and will be available for purchase as early as 2025.

Google said, 'Android XR is designed to be an open, unified platform for XR headsets and glasses. For users, it gives them more device choice and access to the apps they already know and love. For developers, it lets them use familiar Android tools and frameworks to build experiences for a wide range of devices. We invite every developer, device maker, and creator to help shape the next evolution.'