Google finally gave us a closer look at Android XR here are 4 new things we've learned

Date:
Tue, 20 May 2025 17:45:40 +0000

Description:
We now know what Android XR is capable of, from the AI features that'll power it to the hardware that'll offer it.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Android XR has been showcased by Google at I/O 2025 It relies heavily on AI to
deliver many of its features like live translation Several different glasses brands will deliver Android XR features

At Google I/O 2025 Google finally gave us what weve all been waiting for (well, what Ive been waiting for): a proper Android XR showcase.

The new Google operating system made for Android headsets and Android glasses has been teased as the next big rival to Metas Horizon OS the software that powers the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S and we finally have a better picture of how it stacks up.

Admittedly the showcase was a little short, but we do know several new
details about Android XR, and here are four you need to know. 1. Android XR has Gemini at its core (Image credit: Future)

While Id argue Googles Android XR showcase wasnt as in-depth as I wanted, it did show us what the operating system has running at its core: Google Gemini.

Googles advanced AI is the OS defining feature (at least thats how Google is positing it).

On-glasses-Gemini can recommend you a place to eat ramen then offer you on-screen directions to where to find it, it can perform live-translation,
and on a headset it can use Google Maps' immersive view to virtually
transport you to any destination you request.

Particularly on the glasses this completely hands-free approach combined
with cameras and a head-up display looks to be Google Gemini in its most useful form. You can get the assistants help as quickly as you can ask for
it, no fumbling to get your phone out required.

I want to see more but this certainly looks like a solid upgrade on the similar Meta AI feature the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses offer. 2. Android XR
is for more than Samsung (Image credit: Xreal)

Ahead of Google I/O we knew Samsung was going to be a key Android XR partner alongside Qualcomm, whos providing all the necessary Snapdragon chipsets to power the Android XR hardware.

But we now know several other companies are collaborating with Google.

Xreal has showcased Project Aura , which will bring Android XR to an upgraded version of its tethered glasses that were familiar with (like the Xreal One )
with Aura being complete with a camera and Snapdragon processor.

Then Google also teased glasses from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker,
implying it is taking Metas approach of partnering with fashion brands,
rather than just traditional tech brands.

Plus, given that Gentle Monster and Warby Parker offer very different design aesthetics, this will be good news for people who want varied fashion choices for their new smart glasses accessories. 3. Project Moohan is still coming later this year (Image credit: Google)

The Android XR headset Project Moohan is still set to launch in 2025, but Google and Samsung have yet to confirm a specific release date.

I was hoping wed get something more concrete, but continued confirmation that Moohan will be landing in 2025 is better than it being delayed.

Google and its partners werent keen to give us any firm dates, in fact. Xreal calling its Project Aura the second official Android XR glasses suggests itll land sometime after Moohan, but before anything else however, well have to wait and see what plays out. 4. Meta should be worried, but not terrified (Image credit: Google)

Google certainly dealt XRs biggest player Meta, with its hugely popular
Quest headset hardware a few blows and gave its rival something to be
worried about.

However, this showcase is far from a finisher, especially not in the headset department.

Metas Connect 2025 showcase in September is expected to show us similar glasses tech and features, and depending on release dates Meta might beat Android XR to the punch.

That said, competition is only going to be a good thing for us consumers, as these rivals battle over price and features to entice us to one side or the other. Unlike previous battles in the XR space this certainly seems like a balanced fight and Im excited to see what happens next. You might also like Forget Android XR, I've got my eyes on Vivo's new Meta Quest 3 competitor Googles surprise Android XR glasses tipped to land in 2026 and my only complaint is they arent launching sooner Valve deckard VR headset described
as quite amazing but theres still no word on its launch



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/google-f inally-gave-us-a-closer-look-at-android-xr-here-are-4-new-things-weve-learned


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