Andrew Grant·

Google Announces Android XR, Samsung Headset Inspired By Apple Vision Pro

Google has officially unveiled Android XR, a specialized version of its operating system designed for extended reality (XR) devices, including headsets and smart glasses.

This announcement comes as the tech giant partners with Samsung and Qualcomm to re-enter the VR/AR/MR/XR space after earlier ventures like Google Glass and Google Daydream failed to materialize.

Android XR aims to create an ecosystem for immersive experiences, leveraging Google’s software expertise and Samsung’s hardware capabilities.

Samsung’s upcoming XR headset, codenamed “Project Moohan,” bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Vision Pro, featuring high-resolution displays and immersive AR/VR capabilities. The device will include cutting-edge OLED displays for vibrant visuals and will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset. This chipset supports features like 4.3K resolution per eye, 90Hz refresh rates, and up to 12 concurrent cameras for advanced tracking and video see-through capabilities.

While there’s no word on release date or price for the Samsung headset, it is likely to debut in late 2025, nearly two years after Apple Vision Pro’s early 2024 launch. While it may initially seem like a delayed response, Samsung and Google’s approach could give it time to refine its offering and compete effectively against Apple. Although this gives Apple a huge leg up on both Google and Samsung in terms of how far ahead they already are in this space and can only improve by the time this is ready by Google/Samsung for public consumption.

Google’s history with XR includes the ambitious but short-lived Google Glass (2013) and Google Daydream (2016) projects. With Android XR, Google is betting on a robust software ecosystem and Gemini AI to support next-generation devices. The platform will integrate Google’s AI and machine learning capabilities in Gemini, offering features like real-time transcription, object recognition, and spatial computing. This focus aligns with growing interest in mixed reality for productivity and entertainment.

Google is using the term “extended reality” (XR) to encompass virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and augmented reality (AR). Android XR is compatible with various device types, including headsets that provide video or optical see-through capabilities, screenless “AI glasses,” and AR glasses equipped with displays.

With Android XR, Google and Samsung aim to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro by combining cutting-edge hardware with a versatile operating system. While it remains to be seen whether this collaboration will succeed, it certainly signals renewed competition in the XR market.

It’s interesting to note here that Google and Samsung have taken the approach of Apple in this space rather than Meta’s (Quest/Horizon OS/Metaverse), which is more geared towards gaming and social experiences.

You may also like to check out:

You can follow us on X, or Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube channel and even like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple, and the Web.