Google's bold approach to VR and XR has arrived, along with a hardware partnership with Samsung.
For these few years, Google has been quietly biding its time in the extended reality (XR) space. After early experiments like Google Glass and Daydream VR that didn't quite hit the mark, and the emergence of Meta's Raybans XR glasses and the Apple Vision Pro, we knew it was only a matter of time before Google would re-enter the space. For months we've heard rumblings of projects from Google and Samsung, potentially a partnership and today we got confirmation that Google was back with a vengeance—and this time, they're bringing Gemini AI along for the ride.
For all the details and specs Mishaal Rahman covered the news at Android Police along with a list of the games and apps coming to the new OS and a deep dive on Samsung's new headset. And Jason Howell was able to get hands on with the new platform during a visit at Google and shared his experience at Digital Trends along with a great video with his impressions that you can watch below:
For your Android Faithful coverage, we've got a summary of today's news for you below
Android XR isn't just another operating system. It's a ground-up reimagining of how we'll interact with virtual and augmented reality devices. Built on the familiar Android Open Source Project (AOSP) foundation, this new platform is specifically designed to power VR headsets and smart glasses with AI at its core.
The most exciting part? Google has partnered closely with industry heavyweights like Samsung and Qualcomm to make this vision a reality. The first device to showcase Android XR will be Samsung's "Project Moohan" VR headset, expected to launch in 2025.
What sets Android XR apart is its commitment to seamless, multimodal interactions. Imagine controlling your device through a combination of hand gestures, eye tracking, and voice commands powered by Gemini AI. Want to search for something? Simply circle it with your finger. Need information about what you're seeing? Just ask. Google' provided the below video to show the headset in action:
Google is ensuring that Android XR isn't launching with an empty app ecosystem. Existing Android apps will work out of the box, with many automatically optimized for larger screens. Developers are already being invited to enhance their apps using the new Android XR SDK, which offers tools for spatial audio, 3D interactions, and natural gesture controls.
For gamers, Android XR promises native support for Unity game development, with tools to create fully immersive experiences. Productivity users can look forward to floating windows for apps like Google Photos, Google TV, and YouTube that can be manipulated with simple hand gestures.
Make sure to check out the full list of the games and apps coming to the new OS thanks to Mishaal over at Android Police.
While the first Android XR device will be a VR headset, Google has bigger plans for smart glasses. Envisioned as lightweight, everyday wearables, these glasses will offer contextual AI assistance right before your eyes. Imagine getting real-time translations, navigation directions, or summaries of messages—all without pulling out your phone. To see it in action, Google provided this lovely scene from a woman's afternoon in San Francisco:
Interestingly, many of these smart glasses will use a "split-compute configuration," offloading complex processing to your smartphone to keep the glasses light and energy-efficient.
For those of us who've followed Android's journey, this feels like a pivotal moment. Google isn't just creating another piece of hardware—they're laying the groundwork for an entirely new computing platform. By leveraging their strengths in AI, software development, and ecosystem management, they're positioning Android XR as the future connecting Gemini and Android to the world around us to unlock interactions and improve our daily lives.
Keep your eyes peeled in 2025. Samsung's Project Moohan VR headset will be the first glimpse of this future, with smart glasses following shortly after. Google will even begin real-world testing of prototype glasses in tech hubs like the Bay Area and New York City.
Don't forget to check out Jason Howell's coverage at Digital Trends and and Mishaal Rahman's news at Android Police along with a list of the games and apps coming to the new OS and the details on Samsung's new headset.
And stay tuned to for a very special interview on the next episode Android Faithful on Tuesday12/17 as we welcome Shahram Izadi, VP & GM, AR/XR at Google who will be sharing more details about this exciting new announcement!
