In a groundbreaking collaboration, Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm have unveiled Android XR, an innovative operating system specifically designed for extended reality (XR) devices such as headsets and smart glasses. The platform is poised to reshape the way users interact with technology, powered by AI and immersive experiences.
Samsung will launch its first Android XR headset, codenamed Project Moohan (meaning “infinity” in Korean), in 2025. The headset promises to deliver a seamless experience with state-of-the-art displays, Passthrough capabilities, and multi-modal input systems for voice, gestures, and natural interactions. The device is designed for long-lasting comfort with an ergonomically optimized, lightweight build.
Android XR leverages Google’s Gemini AI, enabling a conversational user interface that responds intuitively to voice commands, gestures, and context-based interactions. This will allow users to interact with Google services in innovative ways. For example, users can watch YouTube and Google TV on virtual big screens, navigate 3D cities using Google Maps Immersive View, and manage multiple virtual screens using Chrome.
Samsung’s Won-Joon Choi, EVP and Head of R&D, Mobile eXperience Business, expressed excitement about the potential of XR technology: "XR has quickly shifted from a distant promise to a tangible reality. We believe it has the potential to unlock new and meaningful ways to interact with the world by truly resonating with your everyday lives, transcending physical boundaries."
Similarly, Google’s Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem, emphasized the role of breakthroughs in multimodal AI in reshaping how we interact with technology: “We’re thrilled to partner with Samsung to build a new ecosystem with Android XR, transforming computing for everyone on next-generation devices like headsets, glasses, and beyond.”
Android XR will support both headsets and smart glasses, with Google planning to conduct real-world testing with prototype glasses. The platform is designed to be open and developer-friendly, with tools like ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR available for creating XR apps.
Beyond Samsung, other industry leaders, including Qualcomm partners Lynx, Sony, and XREAL, are already developing Android XR devices. Additionally, Google’s collaboration with Magic Leap continues to evolve, focusing on future products combining AR and AI.
The Android XR platform will also support existing Android mobile and tablet apps from Google Play, with plans for more XR-specific apps, games, and immersive content to be launched in 2025. The ecosystem will integrate with Samsung's Galaxy devices and Google's suite of apps, while providing third-party developers with tools to create a diverse and expansive content library.
For developers interested in creating with Android XR, more resources are available on the Android Developers Blog, with updates on device availability available through the Android XR website.
