Android XR: Compose and AI for Immersive Apps

Google's Android XR platform is set to revolutionize immersive app development by integrating virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). This innovative platform is designed to power future smart headsets and smart glasses, with the Samsung Project Moohan headset slated for release in late 2025.

The Samsung Project Moohan, the first Android XR headset, has already been spotted on Geekbench, generating excitement among developers and tech enthusiasts. Following Google's I/O 2025 event, the company highlighted how Android XR’s spatial UI and integrated AI models will empower app developers to create personalized and immersive user experiences.

Jetpack Compose for XR: Building Spatial Interfaces

Jetpack Compose for XR, a key component of the Jetpack XR SDK, enables developers to build spatial user interfaces. This toolkit offers a range of features, including spatial panels, sub-spaces, spatial rows and columns, spatial elevation, orbiters, and modifiers. One of its standout capabilities is support for stereoscopic 3D video formats, which enhance depth perception by delivering different images to each eye, providing a more immersive experience for Android XR users.

The spatial UI framework allows developers to craft interfaces that respond to the user’s environment, making interactions more intuitive and natural. For example, spatial panels can adapt to the user’s position, while spatial elevation adds depth to elements, creating a sense of realism.

AI Capabilities: Enhancing User Experiences

AI plays a crucial role in enhancing the user experience on Android XR devices. With features like creative content generation, context-aware interactions, and conversational multi-modal agents, developers can leverage Google’s AI models such as Gemini 2.0 and Imagen 3. These models can be integrated using Vertex AI and Firebase for tasks like natural language processing, custom AI model training, and image generation.

Developers can use these AI capabilities to create apps that understand and respond to user context, providing personalized and dynamic experiences. For instance, an AI-powered app could generate content based on the user’s surroundings or engage in natural conversations through multi-modal interactions.

Developing for Android XR

The Android XR SDK, along with the emulator, samples, and documentation, is available to developers, enabling them to create Android XR apps using familiar Android tools and features. This comprehensive toolkit simplifies the development process, allowing developers to focus on innovation rather than technical hurdles.

Google’s commitment to providing robust tools and resources ensures that developers can fully exploit the potential of Android XR, whether they are building VR experiences, AR applications, or MR solutions. The platform’s flexibility and powerful AI integration make it a compelling choice for developers aiming to create the next generation of immersive apps.

Conclusion

Android XR represents a significant leap forward in immersive app development, combining VR, AR, and MR with advanced AI capabilities. With Jetpack Compose for XR and Google’s AI models, developers have the tools they need to create personalized, immersive, and intuitive user experiences. As the platform continues to evolve, it is poised to shape the future of smart headsets and smart glasses, opening new possibilities for innovation in the tech industry.