Google just announced the new Android XR operating system that seeks to blend virtual reality, augmented reality, the real world, and AI into one incredible experience. The announcement was targeted to developers to start prepping apps for the new platform.
Forget VR and Experience XR
Instead of just a virtual world, Google wants to extend your current reality, which is what XR means: extended reality. Once again, Google’s stepping into VR devices, like headsets and glasses, but this time, things are designed to be a bit different and modern.
The idea is to extend reality by incorporating AI into the mix. It’s not just putting on some glasses to play a game or watch a video. Instead, you can interact with the real world, while still immersing into a different reality.
A Combined Effort With Samsung
While Google isn’t well known for working well with others, the tech giant has partnered with another giant that’s popular in the Android space: Samsung. In fact, Samsung built the first Android XR device, which has been dubbed Project Moohan.
Android XR builds upon the Android OS, but in different devices. The great part, and one I’m hoping holds true, is that many apps and games people already use everyday on Android should work on XR devices without any issues. It’d be nice to see such a seamless experience as I go about my day with different Android devices.
Gemini as a Helping Hand
Naturally, since Android XR also blends in artificial intelligence, it makes sense that Google went with their own AI: Gemini. This will be built into the experience, letting you have conversations about what’s around you, ask questions, launch apps, and search for more details.
Advancements in Gemini should also help it better understand your intent. Just as with any AI tool, though, I’m sure there are going to be quite a few hiccups here. As I’ve already experienced, Gemini doesn’t always understand what I’m saying or gives me weird results.
Headsets Then Glasses
Headsets are the first Android XR devices being developed – to be released sometime in 2025. These will look similar to most VR headsets already on the market. Some developers already have access to demo versions to experience what’s possible and start creating apps specifically for the OS.
But Google isn’t stopping there. After all, you can’t exactly walk down the street with a large VR headset on. Instead, Google’s investing in glasses again. Yeah, I know, it didn’t go so well last time.
However, a prototype is already being tested that lets you see the world around you, while still utilizing the power of Gemini to ask questions, such as what a specific building is or how to get to a certain location while traveling in a new city.
Yes, we’ll have to wait to an undetermined time next year to get our hands on the first device in the XR ecosystem, but it’ll be interesting to see how well AI fits into an extended reality world.
AI just continues to show up more places and become more helpful. It can even aid in interview practice and improve your music listening experience.
Image credit: Unsplash. Screenshot by Crystal Crowder.
