We might see a flood of VR headsets soon.
The Android XR is designed specifically for AR/VR devices.
The launch of this OS may have a significant impact on the industry. Like how Google has provided the Android OS for smartphones, XR makers can tap into Android XR so they would have fewer burdens in developing their own. It would also lessen the cost for device makers to experiment with new products within this space.
Samsung is already working on a VR headset that will run on Android XR. Samsung is no stranger to VR headsets as they have already made attempts in the past, which is the Gear VR–though this was made in part with Oculus, before Meta swooped it up.
Given that Samsung has already announced its XR headset, it’s interesting to speculate if it will show up in their Unpack event in Q1 2025, when they announce the Galaxy S25, or in the second half when they reveal the new Fold and Flip phones.
XR is both virtual and augmented reality. I’m sure a lot of people here are familiar with these two, given how many times the concept has been used in popular media, like Ready Player One for VR. Augmented Reality, something like Tony Stark’s JARVIS, but with goggles. Think of it, wearing XR glasses and you open Google Maps, you have a little mini-map in front of you to follow, instead of pulling up your phone.
In essence, this is the spirit of Google Glass inhibiting future devices.
What’s interesting here is that, since Android XR is part of the Android ecosystem, this would mean apps from the Play Store may require fewer tweaks to make them run. So, yeah, Netflix, MAX, Disney+, Genshin, COD Mobile, and so on and on, may be able to run smoothly in an XR headset running Android XR.
If Samsung’s entry receives some kind of success, with Android XR, there would be more to follow.