Android XR Insider's Guide: Crucial Facts You Shouldn't Miss Out On
Google's Latest Offering: Android XR, a Collaborative Approach to Extended Reality
Google has unveiled Android XR, its latest software platform designed in collaboration with Samsung for smart glasses, AR glasses, and mixed-reality headsets. Following the company's strategic moves to focus on enterprise solutions for Google Glass, the discontinuation of Google Cardboard and Daydream, Android XR signifies Google's resurgence in the mixed-reality landscape.
Speaking at Google I/O 2025, Sameer Samat, president of Google’s ecosystem, expressed the company's ongoing dedication to this venture, asserting that the "Gemini era" represents the opportune time for XR technology.
At the event, Google showcased Android XR, including live demonstrations during the keynote and hands-on demonstrations of Samsung's Project Moohan headset at the Shoreline Amphitheater. Google clarified that Android XR is primarily a software project for Google, with the company aiming to work alongside manufacturers like Samsung to create headsets and partners such as Xreal, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker to develop smart glasses.
In an effort to bolster Android XR's development, Google hired HTC Vive engineers in January 2025. The company emphasized that this move was focused on software engineering rather than the production of a Pixel XR headset.
Android XR may represent one of the most significant versions of Android in years, as it introduces a new level of connectivity and immersion to the extended reality landscape. However, its novelty may leave some users confused about Android XR’s purpose and capabilities. This guide aims to provide a basic understanding of what to expect with Android XR – from Samsung's Project Moohan to Google’s XR plans for Gemini.
What is Android XR?
Dubbed "Android Extended Reality," this spinoff platform is designed for wearable devices and shares similarities with Wear OS in terms of co-design with Samsung and the need for efficient processing in a compact form factor like glasses. Although smart glasses are not typically part of the extended reality umbrella, as they lack a display for altering reality, Google has included them due to their scheduled integration with the Gemini assistant – the core of Android XR.
Integrated with XR hardware, Android XR will offer access to Play Store apps unavailable on other platforms – primarily Meta’s Horizon OS on Quest. The platform supports features like hand and controller tracking with external cameras and eye tracking with inward cameras, aiming to enable robust user interaction similar to the Apple Vision Pro.
What Apps will Run on Android XR?
Google Gemini serves as the foundation of Android XR, offering unique capabilities for users regardless of whether they are using headsets or smart glasses. With its integration of sensors and cameras, Gemini will be able to process visual and auditory information, respond to gestures, and engage in natural conversations with users.
Google’s website noted that during its hands-on with Samsung Project Moohan, users were able to ask Gemini questions about their surroundings and receive contextually relevant information in mixed reality applications. The platform supports 2D to 180-degree and 360-degree video content, as well as popular Google apps like Google TV, 3D Google Photos, Google Maps Immersive View, Google Meet, and Chrome.
In addition to Google apps, Android XR is compatible with both WebXR and OpenXR – the most common standards for web-based and native XR apps across the industry. This compatibility should allow for the porting of Meta Quest games to Android XR-compatible headsets.
But what games are being developed specifically for Android XR remains to be seen, with only a few titles like Les Mills XR BODYCOMBAT announced so far. Google also has plans to work with developers like those behind Job Simulator to give Android XR headsets a distinct personality, including a new onboarding game resembling Job Simulator.
The Android XR SDK supports Android Studio, ARCore, Jetpack Compose, and Unity, ensuring smooth integration for developers. Google claims that current Android apps will adapt to Android XR with ease should the developers choose to opt-in, though these apps will likely appear as floating windows in the "infinite desktop" virtual space, allowing for optimization and enhanced 3D visual effects. Several developers have already begun developing apps for Android XR, with early access versions of apps from MLB, Calm, and Adobe.
Android XR Hardware: Project Moohan, Project HAEAN, and Others
Samsung appears to be a major player in the Android XR vision, planning to release both a mixed-reality headset and a pair of AR glasses towards the end of 2025. Dubbed Project Moohan for now, Samsung's headset will feature cutting-edge technology, placing it in direct competition with the Apple Vision Pro.
Though specific details are scarce, we do know that Project Moohan will utilize the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, announced in January 2024. This chipset supports up to 4.3K per eye, along with a 20% CPU boost and 15% GPU boost compared to the XR2 Gen 2 in the Meta Quest 3. The headset will also feature 4K Sony micro OLED panels and an Elite-style strap for comfort. In addition to its own apps and Galaxy AI, it is expected to default to Google apps and multimodal Gemini AI for commands and navigation.
As for Project HAEAN, Samsung and Google are developing a pair of smart glasses featuring cameras and a display in the lenses. Google first introduced Project HAEAN at TED 2025, demonstrating its ability to provide real-time language translation and recall the locations of objects seen in video recordings captured by the glasses. During Google I/O 2025, Project HAEAN smart glasses were showcased, offering insight into their design and capabilities.
Project HAEAN's smart glasses are currently just prototypes, with consumer versions expected in early 2026 from brands like Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The prototype glasses feature a set of speakers in each arm, a display in the right lens, and a single camera for photos, videos, and livestreaming. The display can be used to access apps, translated text, language, notifications, and other smartphone information. The glasses connect to Android-powered phones via Bluetooth for hands-free calling, music, and Gemini AI interaction.
Other companies developing Android XR hardware, such as Xreal, Sony, and Lynx, are expected to choose Qualcomm chipsets due to Google's partnership with Qualcomm and the optimization of the platform for Qualcomm silicon. At CES 2024, Sony announced an XR headset with the XR2+ Gen 2, 4K OLED micro-displays, and pancake lenses that can be flipped up like a visor. Lynx, whose R1 XR headset has faced delays and controversy, will develop a new Android XR headset instead of updating the R1.
While Google is taking a step back from releasing an Android XR device compared to its partnership with Samsung, the company has reportedly been testing several XR prototypes such as Project Moohan, Betty (a monocular Google Glass-like device), and Barry (a two-display spin-off). It remains unconfirmed if these devices will be released to the public or if they are only prototypes for testing purposes.
The recent acquisition of HTC Vive for $250 million, granting Google a non-exclusive license for HTC's XR intellectual property, suggests that Google is serious about Android XR's future and may eventually introduce its own Android XR devices.
The upcoming Android XR platform is expected to compete directly with Meta Horizon OS, the driving force behind Quest headsets. Meta has made Horizon OS open to partners since 2024, welcoming Lenovo and ASUS ROG to create XR headsets with Meta software and apps. The battle between Android XR and Meta Horizon OS is likely to drive innovation in the extended reality sector.
Both platforms bear similarities in their goals, methods, and devices, making it challenging to predict which will emerge as the superior choice for the extended reality market. However, the competition between Meta and Google is expected to promote growth and advancement within the sector.
- Google's Android XR, a software project developed in collaboration with Samsung, aims to extend its reach beyond smartphones and into the realm of wearable devices, such as smart glasses, AR glasses, and mixed-reality headsets.
- The upcoming Android XR platform, with its wide compatibility with industry standards like WebXR and OpenXR, promises to host a variety of immersive applications, including popular Google apps, Meta Quest games, and uniquely designed experiences developed by Google and its partners.
