Android XR is on the Horizon – But Don’t Anticipate a Google Announcement Just Yet

Google has unveiled the agenda for its upcoming I/O developer conference. Among the many sessions aimed at developers, it seems that Google plans to offer more details on its Android XR operating system. However, based on the schedule, it looks like the company is not yet ready to put Android XR in the spotlight.

This new operating system has been somewhat mysterious since Google announced it last December, alongside Samsung’s “Project Moohan” mixed reality headset. Neither of these innovations has a set launch date, but they are both anticipated to make their debut later this year.

Google has been giving little hints here and there about what Android XR will offer. They’ve confirmed features such as passthrough camera access and have made its Android XR SDK available for developers to explore. Despite these developments, enthusiasts are eager to see how Android XR will compare to more established systems like Meta’s Horizon OS and Apple’s visionOS.

During the I/O event, there will be various keynotes streamed live between May 20th and 21st. Yet, only two sessions dedicated to Android XR appear on the agenda, and neither will be live-streamed. However, a broader ‘What’s New in Android’ livestream promises to cover some aspects of Android XR.

For those hoping for some juicy insights, the direct developer sessions will focus exclusively on Android XR. This indicates Google’s intention to engage with developers further as they continue integrating XR into the Android ecosystem, albeit without much public fanfare or live broadcasting.

From what’s available about these sessions, it’s clear that Android XR is gearing up for a public launch later this year. Google is preparing a suite of new XR tools, which will incorporate Jetpack SceneCore and ARCore into an XR-centric version of Jetpack. This package, known as Jetpack XR, is being previewed for developers. It equips developers to design spatial interfaces using 3D models and immersive environments, suggesting Google is working to unify its tools for both AR and VR under a single banner.

These sessions are also set to discuss how existing apps can integrate XR features, such as 3D models, hand-tracking, and stereoscopic video. This move is likely part of Google’s strategy to appeal beyond game developers, creating a richer app market that matches the wider Android ecosystem.

Google also aims to extend Jetpack Compose—its UI toolkit—into XR, pointing towards a desire to have a unified UI design approach across various platforms, including mobile, tablets, and XR environments. This unity would streamline adapting or porting user interfaces to immersive formats.

Another focus of the sessions will be the AI capabilities in Android XR. Developers might find features like real-time object recognition, scene understanding, or AI-generated environments appearing soon.

Interestingly, the decision not to livestream these talks could mean Google isn’t ready to push Android XR with full force just yet. Enthusiasts might also want to keep an eye out for news on Samsung’s “Project Moohan” headset, likely the first device to support Android XR.

We’ll stay tuned for updates during the livestreams and take close notes during the technical sessions, eager to discover any new developments or insights that come to light.