Google’s new operating system, Android XR, is designed to power gadgets like glasses and headsets and enable new experiences—also known as apps—that run on them. Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, will be integrated into Android XR to help with activities including task guidance, plan definition, and interpreting user intent.

The Android OS serves as the foundation for Android XR, which is built using essential components like ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR. A virtual environment will be able to cohabit with the real world thanks to Android XR apps. Google claims that, among other things, they are trying to enable users to view YouTube videos on a virtual large screen and view images in three dimensions.

To provide a sense of depth, scale, and realism, Android XR apps will be housed inside virtual environments and incorporate 3D features, spatial panels, and spatial audio. Additionally, they will make use of the hands-eyes multimodal interaction capabilities.

Google has also unveiled the Android XR SDK to facilitate the development of Android XR apps.

Jetpack XR, which contains new XR-specific libraries like Jetpack Compose for XR, Material Design for XR, Jetpack SceneCore, and ARCore for Jetpack XR, is an essential part of the Android XR SDK.

The Android XR SDK allows for the creation of apps based on WebXR or Unity in addition to Jetpack Compose XR.

Android Studio Meerkat, which comes with the new Android XR Emulator, is compatible with the Android XR SDK. This will enable the deployment and testing of apps developed using the Jetpack XR SDK on a virtualized XR device. With the help of a palette of tools to rotate the scene, zoom in and out, and other functions, the emulator will employ a keyboard and mouse to allow navigation in the virtual 3D area.

Both compatible Android apps and apps made especially for Android XR will be available in the Play Store for Android XR, which will be spatialized automatically without the need for developer intervention.

The primary goal of Android XR’s preview is to provide developers and device manufacturers the chance to begin producing an entirely new ecosystem of apps and devices. Google claims that Samsung will unveil the first Android XR device in 2025.