Android XR Is on the Horizon, But Google Is Keeping It Under Wraps

Google recently unveiled the schedule for its upcoming I/O developer conference, featuring sessions focused on providing deeper insights into its highly anticipated Android XR operating system. However, if the schedule is anything to go by, Google is keeping somewhat tight-lipped about Android XR for now.

Ever since Google first mentioned Android XR back in December alongside Samsung’s intriguing ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset, it has been flying under the radar. While we don’t have firm launch dates for either of these products, they’re both expected to hit the market later this year.

Even though Google has shared some of the features of Android XR, such as the eagerly awaited passthrough camera access, and it’s already made the Android XR SDK available to developers, we’re still curious to see how it will measure up against more established XR platforms like Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s visionOS.

Google I/O is set to include several live-streamed keynote events from May 20th to 21st. Among these, there’s a notable absence of livestreams dedicated exclusively to Android XR, barring two developer talks. However, a livestream titled ‘What’s New in Android’ is expected to touch upon Android XR developments.

Though the livestream might leave us wanting more, the two developer-focused sessions suggest Google is keen on building a strong developer base for XR integration within the larger Android ecosystem, albeit away from the limelight.

The sessions give us a glimpse of what’s to come (see descriptions below):

Android XR is nearing its public debut, and Google is putting together a new XR toolchain in preparation. This toolchain will incorporate Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore into an XR-specialized version of Jetpack called Jetpack XR. Currently available in developer preview, Jetpack XR empowers developers to create mobile or large-screen Android applications with spatial layouts using 3D models and immersive environments. The integration of ARCore within Jetpack XR hints at Google’s strategy to unify its spatial computing tools, enabling developers to craft both AR and VR applications seamlessly.

The focus also extends to enhancing existing apps with XR features such as 3D models, hand-tracking, and stereoscopic video. This aligns with Google’s intention to attract not just game developers but also a wider audience, striving for app parity with the broader Android ecosystem.

Additionally, Google plans to bring Jetpack Compose, its declarative UI toolkit, into the XR space. This move suggests an effort to standardize UI design across mobile, tablet, and XR platforms, simplifying the process of adapting interfaces for immersive environments.

Intriguingly, the second talk (details below) sheds light on forthcoming AI features within Android XR, which may include real-time object recognition, scene understanding, or AI-generated environments.

It’s worth noting that neither session is being livestreamed, perhaps indicating that Google isn’t fully ready to showcase Android XR to the public. We’re also hopeful for more details on Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ headset, which is set to be the pioneer device supporting Android XR.

Nevertheless, we’ll be following the livestreams closely and diving into the technical discussions, eager to discover any exciting updates.

Developing Standout Apps for Android XR with 3D Content

Dereck Bridié, Developer Relations Engineer, Patrick Fuentes, Developer Relations Engineer

“Join us as we introduce Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore for Jetpack XR, guiding developers through the process of integrating immersive content like 3D models, stereoscopic video, and hand-tracking into existing apps. Participants will learn about the new features in the Android XR SDK developer preview, gaining crucial insights ahead of Android XR’s public launch later this year.”

The Future is Here: Compose and AI on Android XR

Cecilia Abadie, Senior Product Manager, Jan Kleinert, Developer Relations Engineer

"Explore the future of immersive experiences with Android XR. This session reveals the latest updates in the Android XR SDK Beta, launching at I/O, including enhancements to Jetpack Compose for XR and cutting-edge AI capabilities. Discover how your current investments in large-screen development can easily translate into the dynamic world of Android XR."