- Android XR has been shown by Google by I/O 2025
- It is highly addicted to AI to deliver many of its features such as live translation
- Several different glasses brands deliver Android XR features
On Google I/O 2025, Google finally gave us what we’ve all been waiting for (yes, what I’ve been waiting for): A proper Android XR exhibition window.
The new Google operating system made for Android Headsets and Android glasses has been teased as the next big rival to Meta’s Horizon OS -the software that drives Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S -and we finally have a better picture of how it stacks up.
Admittedly, the showcase was a little short, but we know several new details about Android XR, and here are four you need to know.
1. Android XR has Gemini in its core
While I claim that Google’s Android XR exhibition window wasn’t as profound as I wanted, it showed us what the operating system has run in its core: Google Gemini.
Google’s advanced AI is us’ defining feature (at least that’s how Google puts it).
On-Glas Gemini can recommend you a place to eat the ramen and then offer you on screen to where to find it, it can perform live translation, and on a headset it can use Google Maps’ immersive views to practically transport you to any destination you are requesting.
Especially on the glasses, this totally hands-free approach-combined with cameras and a head-up screen look to be Google Gemini in its most useful form. You can get the assistant’s help as soon as you can ask for it, no fumble to get your phone out required.
I want to see more, but this certainly looks like a solid upgrade to the similar meta AI feature that Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses offers.
2. Android XR is for more than Samsung
Prior to Google I/O, we knew that Samsung would be a key Android XR partner -along with Qualcomm that delivers all the necessary Snapdragon -Chipset to operate Android XR hardware.
But we now know that several other companies are working with Google.
Xreal has shown Project Aura, which will bring the Android XR to an upgraded version of its bound glasses that we are familiar with (like the Xreal -en) -with Aura is complete with a camera and snapdragon processor.
Then Google also teased glasses from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, suggesting that it takes Meta’s approach to collaborating with fashion brands rather than just traditional tech brands.
Plus, given that Gentle Monster and Warby Parker offer very different design aesthetics, this will be good news for people who want different fashion choices for their new Smart Glasses accessories.
3. Project Moohan is still coming ‘later in the year’
The Android XR Headset project Moohan is still ready to be launched by 2025, but Google and Samsung have not yet confirmed a specific release date.
I hoped we would get something more concrete, but still confirming that Moohan will land in 2025 is better than it was delayed.
Google and its partners were not eager to give us any fixed dates, actually. Xreal calls his project Aura the second official Android XR glasses suggest that it will land once after Moohan, but before anything else – we have to wait and see what is playing out.
Google certainly treated XR’s biggest player – Meta, with its hugely popular Quest -Headset Hardware – a few strokes and gave his rival something to be worried about.
However, this showcase is far from a post -therapist, especially not in the headset department.
Meta’s Connect 2025 exhibition window in September is expected to show us similar glasses technology and features, and depending on the release dates, Meta may be able to beat the Android XR to the punch.
That said, competition will only be a good thing for us consumers as these rivals are fighting for price and features to lure us to one or the other. Unlike previous strokes in the XR room, this certainly seems like a balanced match, and I am excited to see what is happening.
@Techradar ♬ Original Sound – Techradar
