Android XR on the Horizon – Quiet Launch Anticipated from Google

Google has recently rolled out its schedule for the highly anticipated I/O developer conference, spotlighting sessions that cater specifically to developers. These talks promise to dive deeper into the upcoming Android XR operating system. Yet, from what the schedule shows, Google isn’t too outspoken about Android XR just yet.

Since its announcement in December alongside Samsung’s innovative ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset, Android XR has been somewhat sidelined. Currently, there aren’t any solid release dates for either of these projects, though they are both expected to make their debut later this year.

Google has already confirmed a slew of features for Android XR, like the eagerly awaited support for passthrough camera access. Additionally, it has opened up developer access to its Android XR SDK. However, many are still curious to see how it will hold up against more established XR platforms like Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s visionOS.

From May 20th to 21st, Google I/O will feature numerous livestreamed keynotes. Nevertheless, only two talks solely centered on Android XR have been announced, and neither will be livestreamed. Still, a ‘What’s New in Android’ livestream promises to shed some light on Android XR.

Even if the livestream doesn’t offer substantial details, the two developer sessions dedicated to Android XR indicate Google’s drive to push for developer engagement with XR. This effort aims to seamlessly weave XR tech into the larger Android ecosystem, albeit away from the mainstream spotlight.

Taking a closer look at the session details, Android XR is gearing up for a public launch later this year. Before this happens, Google is introducing a new XR toolchain, which integrates Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore into an XR-specific version of Jetpack. Jetpack XR, currently in developer preview, enables developers to build spatialized layouts using 3D models and immersive environments. The combination of ARCore with Jetpack XR suggests a consolidation of spatial computing tools, giving developers a streamlined way to craft both AR and VR experiences.

Moreover, these talks emphasize augmenting existing applications with XR features like 3D models, hand-tracking, and stereoscopic video. This approach aims to appeal to a broader range of developers beyond gaming, as Google seems committed to aligning Android XR with the wider Android ecosystem.

There’s also news about Jetpack Compose, Google’s declarative UI toolkit, being extended to XR. This move signifies a push towards standardizing UI design across mobile, tablet, and XR platforms, simplifying the process of porting or adapting user interfaces for immersive environments.

The second session spotlights the impending AI capabilities within Android XR, which could pave the way for real-time object recognition, scene understanding, or even AI-created environments.

Neither of the talks are being livestreamed, indicating that Google might not be ready to publicly showcase Android XR just yet. There’s also keen interest in Samsung’s forthcoming ‘Project Moohan’ headset, anticipated to be the first to support Android XR.

Nevertheless, we’re definitely staying tuned to these livestreams and technical talks, eager to catch the latest updates.

Building differentiated apps for Android XR with 3D content

Dereck Bridié and Patrick Fuentes, both Developer Relations Engineers, invite you to explore Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore for Jetpack XR. This session will take developers through the steps of enriching existing apps with immersive elements like 3D models, stereoscopic video, and hand-tracking. Attendees will also delve into new features presented in the Android XR SDK developer preview, preparing them 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, along with Jan Kleinert, Developer Relations Engineer, will unveil the future of immersive experiences with Android XR. This session highlights the latest enhancements to the Android XR SDK Beta, including upgrades to Jetpack Compose for XR and new AI capabilities. Discover how your efforts in large screen development can seamlessly extend to the burgeoning realm of Android XR.