Android XR’s Arrival is Imminent – But Google Remains Quiet

Google’s latest I/O developer conference schedule reveals some fascinating updates, particularly for those keeping an eye on the much-anticipated Android XR operating system. Yet, from the lineup, Google appears to be playing it cool on the Android XR front for now.

Since it was announced back in December, alongside Samsung’s intriguing ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset, Android XR has mostly stayed under wraps. Details on firm release dates remain elusive, although both are projected to make their public debut before the year’s end.

Google has already given us a peek at some Android XR features, like the highly anticipated support for passthrough camera access. Developers have also been able to dabble with its XR SDK. However, the big question is how this new player will fare against more seasoned XR platforms like Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s visionOS.

The I/O event, scheduled from May 20th to 21st, is set to offer several livestreamed keynotes. Curiously, only a couple of developer sessions focusing on Android XR have been planned, which won’t be livestreamed. However, a ‘What’s New in Android’ session is on the docket, promising a glimpse into Android XR.

In the absence of detailed livestream info, the developer sessions seem to indicate Google is angling to make Android XR more developer-friendly as it becomes a bigger part of the Android ecosystem. This move is happening away from the public fanfare of livestreamed announcements.

So, what insights can we glean from the session descriptions? Android XR is gearing up for a public launch this year, with Google introducing a new XR toolchain that integrates Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore into Jetpack’s XR iteration. This toolset, known as Jetpack XR, is currently available for developer preview. It enables developers to craft spatialized layouts using 3D models and immersive environments. The bundling of ARCore with Jetpack XR points to Google’s effort to streamline its spatial computing tools, offering developers a singular platform to create both AR and VR experiences.

These sessions also delve into enhancing apps with XR features like 3D models, hand-tracking, and stereoscopic video, indicating Android XR’s ambition to pull in a broader developer audience—not just gamers. It’s evident that Google aims to align Android XR apps with the wider Android ecosystem.

Furthermore, Google plans to extend Jetpack Compose, its declarative UI toolkit, to XR. This move signifies a push toward standardizing UI design across mobile, tablet, and XR, simplifying the process of adapting UIs for immersive environments.

Interestingly, the second session sheds light on new AI functionalities being baked into Android XR. This could mean we’ll soon see features like real-time object recognition, scene understanding, or even AI-generated environments.

That these sessions aren’t being livestreamed might suggest Google isn’t yet ready to shout about Android XR from the rooftops. Meanwhile, anticipation builds around Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ headset, the first expected to embrace Android XR.

No doubt, we’ll be closely watching the livestreams and developer talks, eager for fresh insights.

Building differentiated apps for Android XR with 3D content

Dereck Bridié, Developer Relations Engineer; Patrick Fuentes, Developer Relations Engineer

"Join us as we introduce Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore for Jetpack XR, guiding developers to enrich existing apps with immersive content like 3D models, stereoscopic video, and hand-tracking. Participants will discover new features in the Android XR SDK developer preview and gain valuable knowledge primed for Android XR’s public launch later this year."

The future is now, with Compose and AI on Android XR

Cecilia Abadie, Senior Product Manager; Jan Kleinert, Developer Relations Engineer

Explore the future of immersive experiences with Android XR. This session reveals the latest updates to the Android XR SDK Beta, launching at I/O, including advancements in Jetpack Compose for XR and cutting-edge AI features. Learn how to leverage your current investments in large-screen development for a seamless expansion into the thrilling realm of Android XR.