Android XR Is On the Horizon – But Google Isn’t Spotlighting It Yet

Google has just announced the agenda for its much-anticipated I/O developer conference. This yearly event is set to cover a variety of developer-centric topics, including an introduction to Google’s upcoming Android XR operating system. However, if you’re expecting groundbreaking announcements about Android XR, it seems the tech giant is keeping things under wraps, at least for now.

The spotlight has been dim on Android XR since Google first brought it up last December, introducing it alongside Samsung’s promising ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset. While there’s no concrete launch date yet, both Android XR and the headset are anticipated to roll out to the public later in the year.

Google has revealed some features of Android XR, including the highly anticipated passthrough camera access. The tech community is also invited to explore the Android XR Software Developer Kit, but the question remains: how will it measure up against the more established XR platforms like Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s visionOS?

From May 20th to the 21st, Google I/O will host several keynotes, available for live streaming. Surprisingly, out of the many sessions, only two specifically target Android XR, with neither set for livestreaming. However, there is a ‘What’s New in Android’ session, which promises to shed light on Android XR.

Even if the main broadcast leaves some wanting, the direct developer sessions concentrating on Android XR suggest Google is intent on building a developer-friendly environment as XR continues to integrate into the larger Android ecosystem, albeit away from the glitz of a main-stage livestream.

Here’s the scoop from the scheduled discussions. Android XR looks geared to hit the public scene later this year, with Google preparing a set of new XR development tools. This suite includes Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore, consolidated into the XR-tailored Jetpack. Currently in developer preview, Jetpack XR empowers app developers on both mobile and large screens to craft engaging, spatial layouts using 3D models and immersive settings. The integration of ARCore is a clear move by Google to unify its spatial computing tools, offering developers a seamless gateway to build AR and VR experiences.

The talks will also delve into how existing apps can be expanded with XR features like 3D models, hand-tracking, and stereoscopic video, which signals Android XR’s aim to draw more than just game developers. Google appears determined to elevate Android XR to match the rest of the Android app ecosystem.

Additionally, Google plans to extend Jetpack Compose, its UI-building toolkit, to XR platforms. This suggests a push to streamline UI design standards across mobile, tablet, and XR environments, thus easing the transition of apps into immersive experiences.

Intriguingly, one of the sessions is set to highlight the introduction of AI capabilities in Android XR. This might open doors for functionalities like real-time object recognition and scene understanding, or even AI-crafted environments.

While neither of the two focuses will be livestreamed, which could imply Google’s cautious stance on Android XR publicity, there’s hope for updates on Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ headset—billed to debut with Android XR support.

We’re eagerly geared up to catch all the livestreams and dive into the technical talks, expecting more updates that could just change the XR game.

Quote Highlights:

Building differentiated apps for Android XR with 3D content

• Hosted by Dereck Bridié and Patrick Fuentes, this session will introduce developers to Jetpack SceneCore, ARCore for Jetpack XR, and how to integrate immersive content like 3D models and hand-tracking into existing applications. Attendees will get a deep dive into the Android XR SDK developer preview and essential insights for the platform’s public roll-out later this year.

The future is now, with Compose and AI on Android XR

• Led by Cecilia Abadie and Jan Kleinert, this session unveils the future of Android XR with updates to the SDK Beta, enhancements to Jetpack Compose, and advanced AI capabilities. Learn to leverage current development investments for XR’s exciting horizon.

Get ready for a wave of innovation—Android XR might just redefine what’s possible in the XR space.