Google and Samsung have unveiled a new operating system, Android XR, making a push into the mixed reality space. Additionally, the companies unveiled a Samsung-made headset with the code-name Project Moohan, which is derived from the Korean word meaning "infinite".
XR is an acronym for extended reality, which usually pertains to headgear that combines virtual, augmented, and mixed reality.
Android XR and the headset will rival visionOS, the operating system of Apple's Vision Pro headset, along with Meta's mixed reality headset. While the high price tag and heaviness of Apple's $3,499 Vision Pro headset, which debuted in 2024, has made it an exclusive product, Meta's less expensive smart glasses have been more popular than its mixed reality headsets such as Quest 3S.
The Samsung headset is reportedly lighter and more comfortable than Apple's Vision Pro headset, plus appears to have a larger field of view than the Apple device.
According to reports, although the development of Android XR was in the works for years, Google had paused it in order to restructure the programme around artificial intelligence. At the heart of Android XR is Google's Gemini AI, which will help users with different tasks and help record both video and audio.
Using Gemini AI, Android XR glasses will be able to do a range of things, including, for example, offer assembly instructions for a piece of furniture using built-in cameras or planning a vacation using Google Maps. A number of Google apps, including Maps, YouTube, Chrome, and Photos, along with apps from the Play Store, will also be available on the platform.
Android XR will allow other companies to create their own XR gadgets powered by the operating system. The objective is to have an operating system like Android, which is used to power a range of smartphones from other brands. Google is hoping Android XR will be able to power specialised headsets for a range of tasks, such as gaming, surgery, watching videos, and more.
Google is expected to ship Android XR-powered devices sometime next year. The Samsung-made headset is anticipated to be on the market by 2025.
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