Developer Kit Archives

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

I saw the future of Android XR smart glasses, and Google left me stunned at the progress

Last week, a demonstration of Android XR glasses took place at Google's Hudson River office, showcasing features such as visual assistance and gyroscopic navigation. These glasses are part of a developer kit for Android developers. Google aims to integrate these devices with Android phones and smartwatches by 2026. The strategy for AI glasses includes two types: one focusing on audio and camera features, and another incorporating a display for visual cues. Developer Preview 3 of the Android XR SDK is set to launch soon, supporting a wide range of existing third-party Android apps. The glasses can display navigation routes and driver information for Uber rides. Gemini, the assistant, provides contextual information immediately upon wearing the glasses. The Samsung Galaxy XR headset has new features like PC Connect and travel mode, while Xreal's Project Aura glasses offer a 70-degree field of view and access to Android apps. The anticipated price for Project Aura could be around ,000, with a potential late next year launch.

BetaBeacon

November 17, 2025

Android games will appear on Steam

Valve has expanded the Steam ecosystem to support Android games with the introduction of the Steam Frame device, which allows developers to host their APKs on Steam.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

Google Play Store update makes finding apps built for XR headsets way simpler

Google is enhancing the Play Store with a significant upgrade for mixed reality headset owners, introducing an “XR headset” chip that will display headset-specific screenshots, reviews, and app details. A dedicated XR section has been added within the Apps and Games tabs to streamline the discovery of mixed-reality and virtual reality applications. This update coincides with the anticipated launch of devices like the Samsung Galaxy XR headset. Google aims to ensure Android apps work seamlessly across the XR landscape, collaborating with platforms like Valve’s Steam Frame VR to support Android applications. The revamped Play Store layout will help users easily identify applications optimized for immersive experiences, providing a more streamlined preview experience and intuitive browsing for spatial environments. This proactive approach positions Android for a vibrant ecosystem as XR hardware gains traction in the mainstream market.

BetaBeacon

November 13, 2025

Android games are coming to Steam, starting with the Frame VR headset

Valve has confirmed that Android titles are now officially supported on SteamOS, allowing developers to publish their Android or Meta Quest VR APKs directly to the platform without creating a separate version. Valve has also implemented its Proton compatibility layer to enhance the gaming experience on Steam. They are launching a developer kit program to help developers port their games.

BetaBeacon

November 13, 2025

Valve’s Steam Frame will support Android games out of the box

Valve has unveiled the Steam Frame wireless VR headset, which will be compatible with Android games.

BetaBeacon

November 13, 2025

Valve’s latest VR headset, the Steam Frame, is set to include compatibility with Android games

Valve has unveiled the Steam Frame wireless VR headset, which seamlessly integrates Android gaming applications to simplify the gaming experience for users. The headset can utilize existing Android APKs and is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon Arm-based chip to run Android applications without conversion. Valve has also introduced updated controllers, a refreshed Steam controller, and the next-generation Steam Machine alongside the Steam Frame. Pricing and release dates for these new products are yet to be confirmed.

BetaBeacon

November 13, 2025

Valve’s Steam Frame Will Support Android Games

Valve has unveiled the Steam Frame, a virtual reality headset that can handle both VR and non-VR games and bring Android games to Steam users. Valve is actively supporting developers to bring Android apps to the Steam platform by releasing a developer kit for the Steam Frame. The integration of Android games into Steam is made possible by the Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chip used in the Steam Frame. Valve also introduced a new Steam Machine designed to bring PC games to living rooms in a console-like fashion. The pricing details for the new hardware have not been disclosed yet, but the Steam Machine is expected to be competitively priced.

BetaBeacon

November 12, 2025

Steam’s new VR headset, Steam Frame, will support Android games

Valve has unveiled the Steam Frame wireless VR headset that supports Android games, aiming to provide a seamless gaming experience for players. The headset will use the same Android APKs that developers use for Meta Quest, allowing for a wide range of gaming options. Valve is launching a developer kit program to assist developers in bringing their Android games to Steam Frame.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Valve is welcoming Android games into Steam

The Steam Frame is a new device from Valve that represents its entry into mobile gaming, functioning similarly to a wireless VR headset or a Steam Deck. It features an Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chip and aims to integrate Android applications into its ecosystem. Valve is encouraging developers to adapt their Android applications for the Steam Frame, launching a developer kit program to facilitate this. The device is expected to run code natively on the Arm processor, enhancing performance. While Valve's primary focus is on gaming, there is potential for broader software integration, including tools like Discord and Blender. Plans for rich browser integration are also in development. Users will have the option to sideload Android APKs, and Valve may adapt SteamOS for various Arm-based devices in the future.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows-on-Arm woes: Amazon warns customers about Surface laptop returns

Qualcomm and Microsoft are enhancing the Windows-on-Arm ecosystem, highlighted during the Microsoft Build event in May 2024. The Surface brand laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors received positive feedback for performance and battery life. However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) has been flagged by Amazon as a "frequently returned item," prompting buyers to check reviews. Customer feedback indicates that app compatibility issues are a primary reason for the returns. Intel's interim Co-CEO suggested that devices with Snapdragon chips are returned at higher rates due to unmet functionality expectations. Despite this, the market for Windows-on-Arm systems remains strong, with major manufacturers adopting Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. Other Snapdragon-powered devices, like the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, have not faced similar return warnings. The Surface Laptop may have higher return rates due to its popularity and specific shortcomings noted in reviews, such as display quality and keyboard comfort. Microsoft also offers Intel versions of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, which may confuse consumers. Qualcomm and Microsoft are working with developers to improve software support for Windows-on-Arm, with notable applications like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop now available. Challenges remain, including Qualcomm's discontinuation of its Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows and limited native support for some applications. Users with specialized needs may prefer traditional x86 Windows versions. Qualcomm plans to unveil its second generation of Snapdragon X processors in late 2025.