Android XR: A Different Architecture

Google is taking a different approach to building an extended reality ecosystem, prioritizing flexibility and open standards. Unlike some competitors, Google is opening the door to an AI-native environment designed to support various workflows and devices. The architecture builds on Android, providing designers and developers the freedom to use familiar tools and scale as needed. Android XR is a core component of the Android landscape.

Android XR is a deliberate move toward XR democratization and accessibility. Unlike some operating systems, Android XR is open by design and integrates with the existing Android roadmap, including phones, tablets, app development tools, and third-party solutions. It's also modular, allowing developers to select the features they want, using pre-built spatial UI, 3D models, Gemini AI, and Jetpack libraries.

The Android XR architecture prioritizes customization, so the system can be tailored with capabilities like eye tracking, hand mesh, and passthrough video. Developers can also choose a Gemini model, integrate their own, and connect the Android or Google Play apps they already use. The system supports dynamic scene understanding, light estimation, and 3D spatial anchoring.

Developers have options, using tools like the Android XR SDK, Kotlin and Android Studio, and Jetpack libraries. WebXR can be used for web development, and Android XR supports OpenXR. Google has partnered with Unity on an Android XR package and supports visual design tools, 3D models, and file formats. Apps can be distributed at scale through the Play Store, with updates and telemetry included.

Gemini is a significant part of the Android XR architecture, connecting with apps and experiences built with Android XR. This allows for spatial computing interactions, voice, gaze, and gesture control, real-time translation and AI assistants. Google has demonstrated its smart glasses operating system, showing how XR and AI can work together.

Google is empowering everyone, not just creating an operating system for its own hardware. If a device runs Android, it can potentially run AndroidXR. Google is partnering with Qualcomm, Magic Leap, and others. Android XR supports Bluetooth accessories, external displays, and spatial controllers.

Android XR provides the freedom to start building and innovate. Pre-built features from Google are available, like the AI-powered hand mesh solution and detailed depth textures. Companies can publish apps on the Google Play Store, using automatic updates, monetization tools, and analytics. Android XR is enterprise-ready, empowering companies to design their own solutions, with integrations for MDM solutions, access controls, security, and privacy features.

Android XR is an open-source, developer-friendly, and enterprise-tuned solution intended to change the future of immersive tech. Google has released prototype insights into its smart glasses operating system, and news about Samsung’s XR headset is emerging.