PC Connect Archives

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Google Launches First-party ‘PC Connect’ Virtual Desktop App for PC Productivity & Gaming on Android XR

Google has launched a beta version of PC Connect, a virtual desktop application for Android XR users that allows streaming content from Windows PCs. The app is optimized for low latency and high frame rates, enabling responsive gameplay and crossover input control between the headset and traditional keyboard and mouse setups. A notable feature is the Gemini assistant, which recognizes streamed applications, and the auto-stereo feature that converts flat content into stereoscopic 3D in real-time. PC Connect is free, unlike its competitor Virtual Desktop, but currently does not support streaming PC VR content. There are questions about whether it uses a direct Wi-Fi link or requires an intermediary network for connectivity. At launch, there is no support for Mac users, but future updates may include it.

BetaBeacon

December 9, 2025

Google bring PC games and apps to Android XR headset with new update

Google has introduced a new feature called PC Connect for Android XR, allowing users to stream Windows PC games and apps directly to Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Connected, Creative, Expanded: Android XR’s Next Wave of Innovation Enhances the Galaxy XR Experience

Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy XR in October, which operates on the new Android XR platform co-created with Google and Qualcomm. The device features multimodal AI for seamless interactions through voice, vision, and gesture, and offers full immersion capabilities. The latest update to the Android XR platform includes three significant features: PC Connect, Likeness, and Travel Mode. PC Connect allows users to integrate applications or their entire computer desktop into the immersive view of the Galaxy XR, enhancing productivity and entertainment. Likeness enables users to customize their appearance during video calls on platforms like Google Meet, enhancing the sense of presence. Travel Mode allows users to create personal cinema or workspace experiences while on the go, with a stable view and a portable Travel Case. These features will roll out to users starting December 8 in the United States and Korea.

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Samsung Galaxy XR Gets Realistic Face-Tracked ‘Likeness’ Avatars

The rollout of the first significant update for Google's Android XR on the Samsung Galaxy XR includes several new features: 1. Likeness (Beta): A beta version of an avatar system for video calls that replaces traditional video feeds with virtual representations, using advanced eye and face tracking capabilities. Users can create their avatar by scanning their face with their phone. 2. Travel Mode: A feature that enhances positional tracking while in motion, reducing the misinterpretation of vehicle movements as head movements by relying more on computer vision. 3. PC Connect (Beta): A feature that allows users to connect to and control their Windows PC as a virtual screen within Android XR, requiring a streamer app on the PC. Additionally, Android XR is getting an AI feature that can convert any 2D content into 3D.

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.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Google is making playing PC games on Android XR as easy as opening an app

Google has introduced PC Connect, a feature that allows users to stream their computer's display to the Android XR headset, facilitating seamless connectivity between multiple computers. This feature enhances user experience by simplifying access to media and applications directly through the headset. Users can launch the PC Connect app from the XR headset, enabling easy access to PC-hosted games and applications. Additionally, users can utilize Google's AI assistant, Gemini, while interacting with PC content, as it can observe the PC display and respond to queries. Beta access to PC Connect has begun for Galaxy XR headset owners.

BetaBeacon

December 8, 2025

Galaxy XR adding ‘PC Connect’ for Windows apps and games, Google ‘Likeness’ avatars

Google has introduced a new feature called PC Connect for Android XR, allowing users to link a Windows computer with Android XR and display desktop or other windows side-by-side with native apps from Google Play. The feature offers full resolution and high frame rate over Wi-Fi, with input bridging allowing a keyboard and mouse to control either device. Additionally, Google is also rolling out Travel Mode, a stable viewing option for when users are in motion, and a Likeness feature that creates a realistic digital representation of a user's face during video calls.