- Android XR has been shown by Google by I/O 2025
- It is highly addicted to AI to deliver many of its features that live translation
- The headset looks interesting but the glasses are the true star
Google has finally taken the lid of the Android XR on Google I/O 2025 to show us what the operating system will be able to be launched on the Android XR Headset and glasses later this year.
We didn’t quite see everything I hoped we wanted, but we learned what Google’s silver ball in XR will be: Google Gemini. Its AI-centric approach was demoed across both hardware types-ar-glasses and mixed-reality headsets.
From the latter, Google gave a public version of Project Moohan -headset demonstrations as it has run privately for media and tech experts. It highlights some standard headset benefits, such as the benefits of an in-depth screen for Multi-Tasking-Vi showed a user who gained access to YouTube, Google Maps and a travel blog when examining a place they plan to visit.
Then, at an impressive moment, it uses Gemini if it can “take me to Florence.” Gemini undertakes by opening Google’s immersive 3D card and giving them a bird-eye view of the city and some landmarks (including the iconic cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which Assassin’s Creed 2 Players will be very familiar with).
Then there are the glasses. Across a few different scenarios, Google highlighted how Android XR specifications can make your life easier with hands-free controls and a head-up display.
You can prepare and send messages to your contacts, access live translation with on-screen subtitles, search for Google Maps recommendations, and then get route guidance to a place and take pictures using the glasses’ camera and see a preview of the shot immediately.
It is reminiscent of what Meta’s beam -connected glasses are capable of, and that is exactly what we expected Meta’s rumored smart glasses with a display will be able if (read: when) they are highlighted later in the year.
I expected more from Google in the headset department, frankly.
Android XR definitely seems nice, but I have not yet seen a reason why it is better than – or to some extent on par with – with the competition (*cough* META QUEST 3 *cough*). However, at least I am a little hopeful that Moohan is ready to launch for consumers (with it again, which is only teased to release “later in the year”) some of the Android XR’s Letdowns will be treated.
For the time being, the headset seems to be playing other Fele to the true Android XR star: the glasses.
Not only are most of the Android XR features shown (which look very useful) made into a device you would wear all the time, I’m surprised at how much choice Google already offers us in terms of hardware.
Samsung is working on the Android XR Tech, but it is also Xreal with his project Aura, and stylish glasses brand Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. And Google’s promise that “starts with” these brands suggest that more partners are on the way.
This abundance of choices is fantastic for two important reasons.
First up, with more election prices must remain competitive. Meta’s display-equipped smart glasses are reportedly set to cost over $ 1,000 with insiders expecting a cost in the range $ 1,300- $ 1,400 (which would be about £ 1,000- £ 1,100 or AU $ 2,050-AA $ 2,200).
With more glasses options to choose from, we may see prices fall to more affordable levels faster than if there were only one or two players in the game.
Secondly, glasses, like other fashion accessories, have to prioritize style to some extent. The tool is important, but if we are expected to wear smart glasses all day every day, just like any other accessories they need to fit our identity.
By working with a number of different brands out of the gate-is the aesthetics of Gentle Monster and Warby Parker almost polar contradictions for each other-Android XR Tech should appeal to a wider audience than Meta’s beam-only approach because it will boast glass designed to fit a wider range of fashion niches.
It’s still early days for Android XR and there are crucial details we are still missing, but Google has definitely come out swinging with its latest operating system
I am aware of Google’s Android XR demos and are looking for more concrete information about the upcoming hardware. At the moment, Google has determined me on the hook.
