OpenXR and AndroidXR Drive Cross-Platform XR
Source: xrtoday.com
OpenXR Framework Updates
The Khronos OpenXR Working Group has updated its OpenXR framework with new extensions to support standardisation across XR-ready devices. OpenXR OS now features new Spatial Entities Extensions via its public review channel, which increases support for interoperable XR spatial experiences.
Spatial Entities Extensions
The update introduces features such as consistent cross-platform support for detecting and tracking planes and markers, precise spatial anchors, and cross-session persistence. These new extensions enhance the OpenXR API by enabling the detection and tracking of features in the user’s physical environment, along with the precise positioning and anchoring of virtual content in relation to those features, including virtual content that remains persistent across different XR device sessions.
Standardising the spatial computing API with OpenXR reduces development time and costs by removing the need to write device-specific code for each platform.
PICO contributed to the design of the OpenXR Spatial Entities Extensions and is among the first to implement runtime support.
AndroidXR Developments
Google’s AndroidXR OS is emerging as a framework for XR applications and hardware, covering devices from various manufacturers. This expansion is partly fueled by Google’s AndroidXR initiative, which involves collaboration with key players in the XR industry to create mixed reality and augmented reality devices with immersive and AI technologies.
The Android XR team collaborates with Samsung and Qualcomm to develop new Gemini AI use cases for emerging XR devices, including the Moohan headset. Samsung’s Moohan headset is expected to be available for purchase later this year.
Google introduced Android XR, a new operating system designed for extended reality, late last year. The XR operating system supports existing mobile and tablet applications, as well as content created specifically for Android XR. Android XR is currently in a preview stage for developers, with a wider release anticipated in the future.
With OpenXR focusing on interoperable XR developments, the stage for an Andriod-powered XR ecosystem is forming.