“Android XR”: here’s what we know about the new operating system

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Android was created for smartphones and tablets, but gradually Google developed versions of the OS for other form factors. In a recent publication, Google also recalled that Android has been offering versions for vehicles, televisions and connected watches for 10 years. And soon, Google should also offer a version of Android for mixed reality platforms.

Google has already announced its collaboration with Samsung on a mixed reality project. And if the firm has not given details of its participation in this project, it is expected that the firm will lift the veil on an operating system which will be installed on Samsung hardware. The latter has also already indicated that he will make an announcement before the end of the year. But in the meantime, rumors are already circulating about the product that Google and Samsung are developing. And according to some of these indiscretions, the name of the new software platform for mixed reality would be “Android XR”.

In a recent article, Business Insider provides new information on this project, citing sources close to the matter. For example, according to this article, it was initially planned to present the new platform in the first quarter of 2024. But in the end, it would not be unveiled until October. Samsung and Google would first launch a kit for developers, before marketing the augmented reality product in 2025.

The same approach as on smartphones

Otherwise, we also learn, thanks to this article, that Google should not offer its own hardware at first. The firm would instead offer its Android XR platform to manufacturers like Samsung. However, to work, the Mountain View firm would have developed several prototypes, including a product that would be equipped with an eye movement tracking system.

In any case , it should be remembered that Google has already worked on mixed reality products in the past. It attempted to enter this market with Google Glass, which did not have commercial success with the general public. And Google also tried to enter the virtual reality market with its Daydream headset, which was later discontinued.

But today, Google is a little overwhelmed by the competition. Indeed, Apple already markets its Vision Pro headset. And rumors suggest that the firm is working on an affordable version of this headset, which should democratize mixed reality among its customers. As for Meta, it recently announced the availability of its operating system for other manufacturers (like Android on smartphones).

• Google is working with Samsung on a mixed reality product
• And according to rumors, the firm is preparing to launch a version of Android for this type of device, which would be called Android XR
• A presentation with Samsung is planned for October, but the Android XR headset would not be marketed until 2025

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