The latest update to the Android Emulator in Android Studio allows multiple instances to coexist on the same virtual Wi-Fi network and interconnect using standard Wi-Fi-based protocols.
The latest update for Android XR is being rolled out to Samsung Galaxy XR headsets, featuring advancements in hand tracking, eye tracking, and accessibility improvements. Android Enterprise is now fully supported on XR, enabling organizations to implement immersive training and collaboration solutions. Partnerships with Enterprise Mobility Management providers such as ArborXR, ManageXR, Microsoft Intune, Omnissa Workspace ONE, Samsung Knox Manage, and SOTI are established to enhance workplace readiness. Users can experience the new features at local Samsung Experience Stores.
Google announced plans for the beta release of Android 17, which has been delayed without official clarification. Key features of Android 17 include a new policy for app orientation and size, requiring developers to support resizing and windowed multitasking. The update will also introduce professional-grade camera APIs, support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC), integration of VoIP calls into the built-in dialer, enhanced Wi-Fi ranging capabilities, and new profiles for Fitness Trackers and Medical Devices. Improvements for Android XR devices will enhance app responsiveness and display state changes. Additional beta versions will be released in the coming months, with developer stability expected by March 2026 and a stable release anticipated around June 2026, initially for Pixel devices. One UI 9, based on Android 17, is expected to debut with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8 in June 2026.
Wearable Devices Ltd. (Nasdaq: WLDS) will launch its Mudra Link Android app in January 2026, which will enable neural gesture control without the need for a PC during onboarding. The app will feature out-of-the-box pairing, gesture customization, command mapping, and support for extended reality (XR) applications. As of the latest trading session, WLDS shares are priced at .37, with an 8.73% increase prior to the announcement, and a trading volume of 530,982 shares, below the 20-day average of 817,090. The stock is below its 52-week high of .40. The company has partnered with Rokid to bundle Mudra control with AI and AR glasses, targeting a launch in Q2 2026. Investors should monitor adoption rates of the app, especially during its demonstration at CES 2026. The potential exercise of new warrants could yield up to .7 million, posing dilution risks for existing shareholders.
Google Play Store has updated its app listings to include a carousel of chips for XR headsets, allowing users to see information specific to those devices. Additionally, there is now a dedicated section for XR headsets in the Games and Apps tabs, making it easier to discover XR-friendly apps for Android XR devices.
The Samsung Galaxy XR was recently launched, featuring various demonstrations of its capabilities, including Project Pulsar from Adobe, an immersive video editing application designed specifically for Android XR. Project Pulsar allows users to edit videos with an understanding of video depth, enabling sophisticated handling of 3D elements. During the launch, Max Spear from Google showcased the app by editing footage from a hot air balloon festival, using an AI assistant to generate creative captions and integrating them into the video. The app simplifies the process of creating advanced visual effects, allowing users to place text behind subjects without extensive VFX expertise. Adobe's partnership as a launch partner adds credibility to the Galaxy XR and positions it as a tool for content creation. Project Pulsar will be included in the “Explorer Pack” for all Galaxy XR purchasers.
Unity has announced the general availability of Android XR support in Unity 6, making it easier for developers to reach new audiences and platforms with their games and apps.
Samsung has collaborated with Google and Qualcomm to launch the Galaxy XR headset, featuring micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 3,552 x 3,840 pixels, offering refresh rates of 72Hz, 60Hz, or 90Hz, and a field of view of 109° horizontally and 100° vertically. The headset includes two external cameras for video passthrough, six world-facing cameras for inside-out tracking, four eye-tracking cameras, and a depth sensor. It weighs 545g with a separate 302g battery, providing a battery life of up to 2.5 hours for 2D video and around 2 hours for general use. Powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, it features 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, supports Android applications, and integrates Google’s Gemini AI for enhanced user interaction. The Galaxy XR is available in the US and Korea for ,800, with discounts on accessories and a complimentary subscription to premium content.
Google's Play Store has launched a collection of applications and games for Android XR, indicating a strategic move into extended reality devices ahead of Samsung's Galaxy XR headset release. The Play Store features a dedicated page for "immersive experiences made for your XR headset," including popular titles like "Beat Saber" and productivity apps such as YouTube VR. The listings include well-known VR favorites and new entries optimized for the platform, emphasizing social and interactive experiences. Over a dozen apps marked with an XR compatibility badge span gaming and media consumption. Google is enhancing its developer tools for Android XR, supporting spatial computing capabilities and attracting major studios to expand the library post-launch. Other manufacturers, like Lenovo, are rumored to explore Android XR devices. Despite challenges in XR adoption due to costs and limited applications, Android XR aims to provide accessible entry points and innovative features to attract users. Concerns regarding privacy in immersive environments persist, as XR devices collect significant spatial and biometric data.
Google has launched a new selection of apps and games in the Play Store tailored for Android XR, previously developed for Android VR or Daydream. This page features a variety of XR-ready apps, including notable titles like Asteroid, NFL Pro Era, Vacation Simulator, and Naver CHZZK XR. The inclusion of Virtual Desktop indicates support for wireless PCVR streaming. Android XR is a collaboration between Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm, aiming to create a robust ecosystem for next-generation headsets. The initial app offerings focus on entertainment, gaming, and utility, with a dedicated shelf for easier discovery and installation. Android XR will utilize Android’s developer stack, integrating Play billing and XR-specific APIs. Analysts predict a resurgence in the AR and VR sectors, with Google competing against Meta’s Quest lineup. The Play Store is expected to expand rapidly as partners finalize builds and features.
