XR devices Archives

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

Google’s ‘ultimate goal’ is for Android games to work seamlessly across mobile, XR, large screens

Google is working on creating a seamless Android app experience across all form factors, including mixed-reality headsets and glasses. They are focusing on adapting apps to work well on different platforms and are investing in features like Curated Spaces and Collections on Google Play to enhance user experience. More updates are expected later in 2025.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

An Android OS preview: Five key trends we expect in 2025

Google is set to unveil Android 16 several months earlier than usual, with a stable build anticipated in Q2 2025. The developer preview is already accessible, and public betas are expected to roll out in Q1 2025. Android 16 will include major features, while a subsequent release in Q4 may focus on stability improvements and optimizations, possibly labeled Android 16.1. Google is reverting to smaller tiles in the interface for Android 16, and enhanced multitasking capabilities are anticipated for foldable devices. Google is integrating AI features into its ecosystem and collaborating with manufacturers like Honor and Samsung for new device launches. The gradual merging of Android and ChromeOS aims to enhance user experience. Google is also collaborating with Samsung and Qualcomm to introduce Android XR for extended reality headsets and glasses, with the first hardware expected in 2025.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

Here’s how you’ll know if an app was built for Android XR (APK teardown)

Google is launching Android XR to support augmented, mixed, and virtual reality applications, utilizing advanced hardware like Samsung's upcoming "Moohan" headset. The Google Play Store is introducing a “Made for XR” label with a headset icon to help users identify apps optimized for XR experiences. This label will appear in app listings and search results, aiding in the discovery of compatible applications. Microsoft Edge has already begun to support this new technology, indicating early adoption in the XR ecosystem. The enhancements in the Play Store aim to assist developers and users as the XR hardware market grows.

BetaBeacon

December 12, 2024

Yes, you’ll be able to game on Samsung and Google’s Android XR headset

Google's Android XR platform supports gaming and controller APIs. Samsung's Project Moohan VR headset, running on Android XR, will ship with controllers for gaming.

AppWizard

November 15, 2024

The Google Glass companion app might find a new life with Android XR

Google has introduced the Android Glasses Core app as part of its latest Android beta update, which shares the same package name as the companion application for the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2. Samsung is expected to launch a new extended reality (XR) product in 2025, powered by a Qualcomm chipset, with a collaborative effort between Samsung, Qualcomm, and Google to develop a new version of Android for XR devices called Android XR. The recent beta release of Android 15 includes the Android Glasses Core app, categorized as a privileged system app, which has not been publicly available before. The app was previously associated with the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2, launched in 2019, and facilitated streaming applications when paired with an Android phone. The version in the beta is newer and features a refreshed icon, suggesting a potential shift in purpose. Speculation arises that Google may be repurposing the Android Glasses Core app for upcoming Android XR products. Additionally, the Google Play Store is preparing for applications designed for Android XR headsets, indicating a seamless installation process, while Samsung aims to enhance connectivity among its products, including XR devices.