Android XR Is On Its Way – But Don’t Anticipate a Google Announcement Soon

Google has unveiled the lineup for its upcoming I/O developer conference, and it’s packed with sessions aimed at developers, offering glimpses into the forthcoming Android XR operating system. From what’s been shared so far, Google isn’t putting Android XR center stage just yet.

Ever since Google introduced Android XR alongside Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset back in December, details have been scarce. There are no specific launch dates for either, but there’s a general expectation that they’ll hit the market later this year.

The tech giant has already confirmed some features of Android XR, such as the eagerly anticipated support for passthrough camera access, and developers have been given access to its Android XR SDK. However, the real test will be seeing how it measures up to more established XR platforms like Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s visionOS.

The I/O event, taking place from May 20th to 21st, will feature a series of livestreamed keynotes, though only two sessions are specifically dedicated to Android XR. Unfortunately, neither of these will be broadcast live. Nevertheless, there is a ‘What’s New in Android’ session that will likely touch on Android XR developments.

Even if the livestream doesn’t shed much light, the developer-focused sessions may offer some intriguing insights, indicating Google’s intent to encourage more developer engagement with XR, without making it the focus of a high-profile keynote just yet.

Here’s what’s on the agenda for these sessions:

As Android XR gears up for a public debut later this year, Google is preparing to roll out a new XR toolchain. This will integrate Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore into a specialized version of Jetpack geared towards XR. Known as Jetpack XR, which is currently available in developer preview, it’s designed to help developers working on mobile and large-screen Android apps create spatial layouts using 3D models and immersive environments. By incorporating ARCore into Jetpack XR, Google seems to be streamlining its spatial computing tools, offering developers a unified platform for crafting both AR and VR experiences.

The sessions will also delve into enhancing existing apps with XR features like 3D models, hand-tracking, and stereoscopic video. This suggests that Android XR aims to appeal to a broader audience beyond just game developers, a move that feels purposeful given Google’s apparent goal to achieve app parity between Android XR and the larger Android ecosystem.

Furthermore, Google plans to expand Jetpack Compose, its declarative UI toolkit, into the XR space. This indicates a push towards a standardized UI design across mobile, tablet, and XR, simplifying the process of adapting or porting interfaces for immersive environments.

Particularly noteworthy is the second session, which highlights the integration of upcoming AI capabilities into Android XR. These could include advancements like real-time object recognition, scene understanding, or AI-generated environments, setting exciting possibilities on the horizon.

While the absence of livestreaming for these sessions might suggest that Google isn’t fully ready to showcase Android XR, there’s palpable anticipation around Samsung’s forthcoming ‘Project Moohan’ headset, which is expected to be the first to support this new OS.

In any case, we’ll be keenly following the livestreams and updates from the technical talks, hoping to catch any fresh developments.

Building Differentiated Apps for Android XR with 3D Content

Developers Dereck Bridié and Patrick Fuentes will introduce Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore for Jetpack XR, providing guidance on integrating immersive elements like 3D models, stereoscopic video, and hand-tracking into existing apps. Attendees will gain insights into new features within the Android XR SDK developer preview, equipping them for the public launch of Android XR later this year.

The Future is Now, with Compose and AI on Android XR

Join Cecilia Abadie and Jan Kleinert as they explore the future of immersive experiences with Android XR. This session reveals the latest enhancements to the Android XR SDK Beta, debuting at I/O, including improvements to Jetpack Compose for XR and advanced AI capabilities. Discover how investments in large screen development can be leveraged to effortlessly venture into the dynamic world of Android XR.