In January 2024, Patently Apple posted a report titled "Qualcomm has announced their 'Spatial Computing' chip that Alliance partners Samsung & Google will use to challenge Apple Vision Pro." Then in September we posted a follow-up report titled "Qualcomm, Samsung and Google are extending their XR Headset Alliance to bring Smartglasses with AI to market as a Smartphone Accessory." Lastly, in November, Samsung revealed in a recent presentation to investors that XR devices will be launching in 2025.

Today, a major development and piece of the Alliance's XR Project was announced. Google introduced Android XR, a new operating system built for this next generation of computing. Created in collaboration with Samsung, Android XR combines years of investment in AI, AR and VR to bring helpful experiences to headsets and glasses.

We’re working to create a vibrant ecosystem of developers and device makers for Android XR, building on the foundation that brought Android to billions. Today’s release is a preview for developers, and by supporting tools like ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR from the beginning, developers can easily start building apps and games for upcoming Android XR devices. For Qualcomm partners like Lynx, Sony and XREAL, we are opening a path for the development of a wide array of Android XR devices to meet the diverse needs of people and businesses. And, we are continuing to collaborate with Magic Leap on XR technology and future products with AR and AI.

Blending Technology with everyday life, with help from AI

Android XR will first launch on headsets that transform how you watch, work and explore. The first device, code named Project Moohan and built by Samsung, will be available for purchase next year.

With headsets, you can effortlessly switch between being fully immersed in a virtual environment and staying present in the real world. You can fill the space around you with apps and content, and with Gemini, our AI assistant, you can even have conversations about what you're seeing or control your device. Gemini can understand your intent, helping you plan, research topics and guide you through tasks.

We’re also reimagining some of your favorite Google apps for headsets. You can watch YouTube and Google TV on a virtual big screen, or relive your cherished memories with Google Photos in 3D. You’ll be able to explore the world in new ways with Google Maps, soaring above cities and landmarks in Immersive View. And with Chrome, multiple virtual screens will let you multitask with ease. You can even use Circle to Search to quickly find information on whatever's in front of you, with just a simple gesture.

Plus, because it’s Android, your favorite mobile and tablet apps from Google Play will work right out of the box, with even more apps, games and immersive content made for XR arriving next year.

Android XR will also support glasses for all-day help in the future. We want there to be lots of choices of stylish, comfortable glasses you'll love to wear every day and that work seamlessly with your other Android devices. Glasses with Android XR will put the power of Gemini one tap away, providing helpful information right when you need it — like directions, translations or message summaries without reaching for your phone. It’s all within your line of sight, or directly in your ear.

As we shared yesterday, we'll soon begin real-world testing of prototype glasses running Android XR with a small group of users. This will help us create helpful products and ensure we’re building in a way that respects privacy for you and those around you.  

Building the XR Ecosystem

Android XR is designed to be an open, unified platform for XR headsets and glasses. For users, this means more choice of devices and access to apps they already know and love. For developers, it’s a unified platform with opportunities to build experiences for a wide range of devices using familiar Android tools and frameworks.

Just as we went to post this report, we noted that Mark Gurman has tweeted this out: "Hands-on with Samsung and Google’s first mixed-reality headset and Android XR. I’m impressed. This headset shows the Vision Pro hardware needs to evolve - fast. And Meta will soon have a challenger in glasses." Below is a video posted by Android Authority on Android XR that some may interesting.

Patently Apple posted a Patently Mobile patent report on November 25th titled "Samsung files for a new Patent in Europe for a Possible XR Headset to take on Apple Vision Pro." The patent's design of the headset is extremely close to the actual design that Google and Samsung are promoting as presented above.