Android XR Is on the Horizon, But Google Remains Quiet for Now

Google has just unveiled their schedule for the eagerly anticipated I/O developer conference. This year’s lineup includes sessions targeted at developers and promises a deeper dive into the upcoming Android XR operating system. However, if the schedule is anything to go by, it seems Google isn’t quite ready to fully vocalize details about Android XR just yet.

Since being announced in December alongside Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset, Android XR has mostly stayed under the radar. While concrete release dates are still up in the air, both the operating system and headset are expected to drop sometime later this year.

To date, Google has rolled out a few Android XR features. One such feature is the support for passthrough camera access, which developers have been eagerly awaiting. Additionally, developers now have access to the Android XR SDK. Despite this, we are yet to see how it will measure up to more established XR systems like Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s visionOS.

The I/O event is set to feature numerous livestreamed keynotes from May 20th to 21st. However, of the developer sessions announced, only two are solely dedicated to Android XR, and unfortunately, neither will be livestreamed. Still, a ‘What’s New in Android’ livestream is on the roster and is expected to include some mention of Android XR.

While significant clues may not emerge from the livestream, these two developer sessions hint at Google aiming to garner developer interest in XR, gradually embedding it within the broader Android ecosystem — although they’re continuing to do so out of the public’s immediate view.

From the descriptions of the sessions, here’s what we can gather: Android XR is on track for a public launch later this year, and Google is refining a new XR toolchain. This toolchain will converge Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore into its dedicated XR variant, Jetpack XR. Presently available in developer preview, Jetpack XR allows developers of both mobile and large-screen Android apps to craft spatial layouts with 3D models and lifelike environments. By coupling ARCore with Jetpack XR, Google is likely aiming to unify its spatial computing tools, providing developers with a cohesive framework to develop AR and VR experiences.

The sessions also emphasize the integration of XR features into current apps, such as 3D modeling, hand-tracking, and stereoscopic video. This indicates that Google’s vision for Android XR extends beyond just gaming, potentially integrating it extensively across the broader Android platform.

There’s also exciting news about Jetpack Compose, Google’s UI toolkit, which is set to be extended to XR. This move hints that Google wants to create uniformity in UI design across mobile, tablet, and XR platforms, making it seamless for UIs to transition into immersive environments.

Perhaps even more thrilling is the glimpse into the second session, which delves into upcoming AI features baked into Android XR. This could encompass real-time object recognition, scene understanding, or AI-generated environments, broadening the horizon for developers.

Certainly, the decision not to livestream these talks may imply Google isn’t quite ready to make a broad announcement about Android XR. There’s also curiosity swirling around Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ headset, expected to be the flagship to run Android XR.

We’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the livestreams and providing you with updates from the technical talks, keen to gather any new nuggets of information.

Building differentiated apps for Android XR with 3D content
Dereck Bridié and Patrick Fuentes, both Developer Relations Engineers, will be leading a session that introduces Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore for Jetpack XR. They will guide developers on incorporating immersive elements like 3D models, stereoscopic video, and hand-tracking. Participants in this talk will gain insights into the new features of the Android XR SDK developer preview, equipping them with vital knowledge ahead of the public Android XR launch later this year.

The future is now, with Compose and AI on Android XR
Cecilia Abadie, a Senior Product Manager, alongside Jan Kleinert, a Developer Relations Engineer, will explore the latest Android XR enhancements, part of the SDK Beta launching at I/O. Featuring improvements to Jetpack Compose tailored for XR, and cutting-edge AI functionalities, this session will reveal how current investments in large-screen development can be leveraged into the vibrant arena of Android XR.