Android XR is on the Horizon, But Google’s Keeping It Low-Key for Now

Google has just rolled out the agenda for its much-anticipated I/O developer conference, and it’s packed with sessions aimed at developers eager to explore the upcoming Android XR operating system. As we scan through the details, it seems Google’s not quite ready to shout from the rooftops about Android XR just yet.

Since its announcement last December, alongside Samsung’s intriguing ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset, Android XR has been somewhat of a well-kept secret. There’s a veil of mystery over both the operating system and the headset, with no concrete launch dates pinned down, though whispers suggest a public release might happen later this year.

Google hasn’t been completely silent, though. The tech giant has shared a few tantalizing features we can expect from Android XR, including the much-anticipated passthrough camera access, and they’ve even given developers a taste with the Android XR SDK. Nevertheless, we’re all waiting with bated breath to see how Android XR will measure up against established XR ecosystems like Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s visionOS.

The conference, running live on May 20th and 21st, boasts a series of keynotes, yet only two developer talks are set to focus on Android XR. Unfortunately for us eager beavers, neither of these talks will be livestreamed. However, attendees are promised a sneak peek during a ‘What’s New in Android’ livestream, which should provide some insights into Android XR.

In the absence of livestreamed revelations, these two developer talks are the best clues we have about Google’s strategy with Android XR. The sessions seem to underline Google’s ambition to make a splash in the developer community as it intertwines XR into the wider Android ecosystem, albeit discreetly for now.

From the details we’ve got, it’s clear Google is gearing up for the public unveiling of Android XR later this year, with an intriguing new XR toolchain in the works. This includes Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore, all wrapped up in an XR-focused version of Jetpack. Currently available in developer preview, Jetpack XR is designed to help developers build spatially-aware apps with 3D models and immersive settings, merging AR and VR capabilities in one neat package.

The presentations will also touch on enriching existing apps with XR features like 3D models, hand-tracking, and stereoscopic video. It’s evident that Google wants to appeal to a broader audience, not just game developers, by ensuring Android XR aligns seamlessly with the wider Android environment.

Moreover, Google plans to extend Jetpack Compose to XR, hinting at their desire to create a consistent UI design across mobile devices, tablets, and XR platforms. This could potentially simplify the process of adapting interfaces for immersive experiences.

The second talk has our attention too, as it delves into the AI innovations being integrated into Android XR. Think real-time object recognition and scene understanding; these capabilities could revolutionize how users interact with augmented and virtual environments.

Despite the lack of livestreamed talks, Google’s keeping the intrigue alive, possibly indicating they’re not quite ready to put Android XR in the spotlight. We’re also eagerly anticipating more on Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ headset, which is expected to debut with Android XR compatibility.

So, while the livestreams keep us on tenterhooks, we’ll be staying glued to the technical sessions, hoping for some groundbreaking revelations.

A Peek into the Talks

Exploring New Frontiers in Android XR with 3D Magic

Join Dereck Bridié and Patrick Fuentes, both Developer Relations Engineers, as they dive into Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore for Jetpack XR. They’ll guide developers through enriching apps with immersive 3D content, stereoscopic video, and hand-tracking. Participants will get a closer look at the freshest features in the Android XR SDK developer preview, preparing them for Android XR’s big launch.

Compose a Brighter Future with XR and AI Magic

Cecilia Abadie, a Senior Product Manager, alongside Jan Kleinert, a Developer Relations Engineer, will unveil what’s next for Android XR. Catch up with the latest in the Android XR SDK Beta, slated to launch at I/O, featuring updates to Jetpack Compose for XR and innovative AI capabilities. Learn how your large screen development investments can seamlessly extend into the fascinating realm of Android XR.