quickutilities – At Google I/O 2025, Google shared updates on Android XR, its platform for extended and mixed reality experiences. The announcement included the second developer preview, revealing new features designed for future use in headsets and smart glasses. This effort appears to respond directly to Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s growing XR ecosystem. Despite some promising demos, Google still has no consumer-ready XR hardware, and it may be some time before users get to try Android XR in real devices.
Currently, Android XR is a platform without a product. Google showed prototype smart glasses capable of live translation, which were praised for being lightweight but limited in field of view. These glasses are not intended for sale. However, Google is partnering with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to design future frames. Until hardware becomes widely available, Android XR remains a developer-focused project with long-term goals.
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New Features in Android XR Developer Preview
Google’s second Android XR developer preview introduces several new capabilities. The platform now supports immersive video formats, including 180-degree and 360-degree playback. Developers can also start integrating hand tracking into their applications. This feature could greatly improve interactivity in future XR apps and is essential for delivering intuitive user experiences.
The update also includes support for dynamic refresh rates, which may help extend battery life in XR devices. This will be critical for lightweight, portable devices such as smart glasses. Google is making clear progress on the software side, even if hardware remains limited or unavailable to consumers.
Gemini AI Integration Promises Smarter XR Apps
One of the most significant additions to Android XR is the deeper integration of Google’s Gemini AI. When Google introduced Android XR in 2024, it promised that Gemini would power next-generation smart glasses and headsets. At I/O 2025, Google showcased pre-rendered videos demonstrating how Gemini might be used.
These demos included examples like viewing maps on your glasses, sending messages while cooking, or capturing a photo with a simple gesture. While visually engaging, these scenarios remain aspirational. They depend on hardware features not yet available in real-world devices. Google’s challenge will be turning these slick demos into functioning experiences for users.
Project Moohan and Project Aura Signal Hardware Plans
Although Google hasn’t released its own Android XR device, it is working with partners. Samsung plans to launch the Project Moohan XR headset later this year, which will run on the Android XR platform. Meanwhile, Xreal is developing Project Aura, a pair of tethered smart glasses using Android XR as well.
These partnerships could help Android XR gain traction, especially if the devices deliver on performance and usability. But with Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest already in stores, Google must catch up quickly to remain competitive. The success of Android XR will largely depend on how these devices perform and whether they gain user trust.
Can Android XR Avoid Google’s History of Abandoned Projects?
Google has a track record of launching and then dropping ambitious projects, particularly in the XR space. Products like Google Glass, Cardboard, and Daydream all generated excitement but were eventually shut down. This history makes it difficult for developers and consumers to fully trust Android XR’s future.
Despite this, Google is clearly investing in the platform and working to match its competitors. The new features and hardware collaborations show commitment, but questions remain. Until Android XR devices reach the market and deliver a polished experience, Google’s vision for XR will remain more of a promise than a reality.
