AWE 2025: Android XR, Snap, and AI

The Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2025 brought together over 5,000 attendees and 250 exhibitors in Long Beach, California, solidifying its status as the XR industry’s most significant event. The conference highlighted the rapid advancement of XR technology, with a focus on hardware, AI integration, and developer tools.

Keynote Highlights

Ori Inbar, AWE’s co-founder, set the tone by declaring, “XR is going mainstream.” His statement underscored the readiness of hardware and AI tools to drive widespread adoption. Google and Snap delivered standout keynotes, showcasing their latest innovations. Snap introduced its consumer-ready Spectacles, while Google unveiled Android XR, a new spatial computing operating system.

Google’s Justin Payne described Android XR as the next evolution of Google’s vision-based computing efforts, emphasizing its integration with Gemini AI. The system aims to provide seamless experiences across Qualcomm and Samsung hardware, allowing users to transition between multiple XR devices throughout the day.

Snap’s Evan Spiegel announced that the new Spectacles, set for a 2026 release, will support spatial AI interactions, WebXR, and shared gaming overlays. Hundreds of developers are already creating applications for the device, marking Snap’s commitment to the XR ecosystem.

Android XR: A New Era in Spatial Computing

Android XR represents Google’s bold step into spatial computing. Designed to unify development across various headsets and glasses, the operating system leverages Qualcomm and Samsung hardware while integrating Gemini AI for real-time processing. Payne highlighted that Gemini’s ability to follow users across devices will redefine how people interact with XR technology.

The introduction of Android XR aligns with Google’s long-term investment in vision-based computing, merging AI with immersive experiences. Industry experts believe this move will accelerate the adoption of XR in both consumer and enterprise markets.

Snap Spectacles: Innovation in Wearable XR

Snap’s Spectacles are poised to revolutionize wearable XR technology. The 2026 release will feature advanced spatial AI interactions, enabling users to engage with their environment in new ways. The device will also support WebXR, allowing for seamless web-based XR experiences, and shared gaming overlays, fostering collaboration and entertainment.

Evan Spiegel’s keynote emphasized Snap’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of XR. The Spectacles represent the culmination of years of research and development, positioning Snap as a leader in the wearable XR market.

Qualcomm’s AR1+ Gen1 Chipset: Powering AI Glasses

Qualcomm showcased its AR1+ Gen1 chipset, an on-device AI processor designed for smartglasses. The chipset is expected to enable the creation of standalone AI glasses, marking a significant milestone for wearable computing. Qualcomm’s technology promises to deliver powerful, efficient AI processing directly on the device, enhancing the capabilities of XR hardware.

The AR1+ Gen1 chipset is part of Qualcomm’s broader strategy to drive innovation in the XR industry. By providing advanced AI processing, Qualcomm aims to support the development of next-generation XR devices that offer immersive, intuitive experiences.

Additional Highlights

AWE 2025 featured a range of additional highlights, including discussions on XR’s potential for identity, expression, and immersive storytelling. Vicki Dobbs Beck and Helen Papagiannis explored these themes, with Papagiannis unveiling her new book, "Reality Modding."

Nolan Bushnell and his family discussed the importance of intuitive mechanics and social play in XR, drawing on lessons from arcade design. Brent Bushnell’s Dream Park demo showcased interactive digital characters, while Palmer Luckey discussed his Eagle Eye platform, a sensor suite for real-time data fusion.

The event concluded on a celebratory note, with the XR industry poised for significant growth. Enterprise now represents 71% of the XR market, driven by stable platforms, advanced hardware, and AI-native developer tools. Auki Labs, Virture, and Flow Immersive were among the companies demonstrating cutting-edge XR technologies, further highlighting the industry’s momentum.