Thursday, 3 April 2025
26.2 C
Singapore
29.3 C
Thailand
21 C
Indonesia
26.9 C
Philippines

Google unveils Android XR, its new OS for extended reality devices

Google announces Android XR, a new OS for AR, VR, and MR devices. It will launch with Samsung's headset in 2025, and feature Gemini AI features.

Google has officially revealed Android XR, a new operating system designed specifically for extended reality (XR) devices, including headsets for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). The OS is a collaborative effort with Samsung and Qualcomm and promises an exciting new step forward in XR technology.

Samsungโ€™s Project Moohan to debut Android XR

The first device set to feature Android XR is a Samsung headset, codenamed Project Moohan. The headset is powered by Qualcommโ€™s latest Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip and is expected to deliver cutting-edge performance. According to reports, Samsung may tease this innovative device during its Galaxy S25 event, likely in January 2025. The headset is anticipated to go on sale later in the year, giving tech enthusiasts something to look forward to.

At the core of Android XR is Gemini AI, Googleโ€™s advanced artificial intelligence system. This integration allows users to perform tasks effortlessly, from finding quick answers to efficiently controlling their devices. Moreover, Android XR devices will seamlessly support mobile apps and games available on Google Play, while developers are already preparing XR-specific apps and games for release in 2025.

Popular Google apps are also being redesigned for XR. Users can look forward to immersive experiences like a virtual big screen for YouTube and Google TV and a 3D version of Google Photos. Multitasking will be more straightforward with multiple Chrome browser screens in virtual reality. At the same time, the innovative Circle to Search feature enables users to find information about physical objects with a simple gesture.

Android XR isnโ€™t just for headsetsโ€”itโ€™s also being developed for smart glasses. With this technology, youโ€™ll be able to access features like real-time translation, directions on maps, and message summaries without needing to reach for your phone. These capabilities bring a new convenience to wearable tech, potentially revolutionising how you interact with your environment.

An open platform for XR innovation

Google envisions Android XR as an open platform, similar to how Android transformed the smartphone market. By providing a unified system for XR devices, the company hopes to encourage innovation and make XR more accessible. To support this, Google will host an Android XR developer boot camp in early 2025. Developers attending this event can expect technical workshops and early access to still-in-development headsets, allowing them to create apps that fully utilise the platformโ€™s potential.

Android XR represents Googleโ€™s ambitious step into the future of wearable tech and extended reality. With its strong partnerships and focus on user-friendly features, it could be a game-changer for both developers and users alike.

Hot this week

China-aligned hacker group FamousSparrow resurfaces in cyberattacks

ESET finds China-linked hacker group FamousSparrow still active with upgraded tools, targeting institutions in the US, Mexico and Honduras.

Most APAC developers now view AI agents as vital to software development

Over four in five APAC developers believe AI agents are becoming as essential to app development as traditional software tools.

Instagram introduces new speed-up feature for Reels

Instagram now lets you watch Reels at double speed, just like TikTok. The new feature helps you get through longer videos faster and easier.

Perplexity CEO dismisses financial concerns, confirms no IPO before 2028

Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas denies financial troubles, confirms the company has no plans for an IPO before 2028, and explains product changes.

ESET uncovers RansomHub links to rival gangs and highlights emerging EDR killer threats

ESET uncovers RansomHubโ€™s links to rival gangs and reveals its custom EDR killer, signalling new threats in the ransomware landscape.

Roblox introduces new parental controls to enhance child safety

Roblox introduces new parental controls, allowing parents to block games, restrict friends, and monitor their childโ€™s activity for better safety.

Anthropic introduces Claude for Education, a new AI chatbot plan for universities

Anthropic launches Claude for Education, an AI chatbot plan for universities that offers advanced learning tools and administration support.

Exabeam introduces Nova, an agentic AI that boosts cybersecurity operations

Exabeam unveils Nova, a proactive AI agent that boosts security team productivity and reduces incident investigation time by over 50%.

NUS partners with Microsoft Research Asia to advance AI research and nurture future tech talent

NUS and Microsoft Research Asia partner to boost AI research and develop future computing talent through a joint PhD and industry collaboration.

Related Articles