MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (Reporting from Toronto, ON) – May 26, 2025) – Google today took a significant step into the future of immersive computing with the announcement of Android XR, a new platform designed to power smart glasses and headsets, deeply integrated with its flagship AI, Gemini. Unveiled at the annual Google I/O conference, Android XR is positioned as the “first Android platform built in the Gemini era.”
Company officials stated that with Gemini on these XR devices, the AI assistant will share the user’s vantage point, offering hands-free, context-aware assistance.
Headsets and Glasses: A Two-Pronged Approach
The initial showcase for Android XR includes headsets, with Samsung’s Project Muhan highlighted as an upcoming device expected later this year. These headsets aim to provide immersive experiences on an “infinite screen,” with Gemini enhancing usability by understanding visual context and enabling voice-activated actions, such as exploring Google Maps in XR or interacting with apps like MLB. Adding to the hardware landscape, XREAL also announced an upcoming headset utilizing Android XR.
Google also provided a deeper look into its vision for Android XR glasses. These devices will feature a camera, microphones, and speakers, working in tandem with a user’s phone to provide app access and information via an optional in-lens display.
The key innovation lies in the synergy with Gemini, enabling the glasses to “see and hear” the user’s environment. This allows for contextual understanding, memory of important details, and proactive assistance. Demonstrations included real-world scenarios like messaging, appointment setting, turn-by-turn directions, and hands-free photography. A live language translation feature, providing real-time subtitles, was particularly emphasized as a way to break down communication barriers.
Ecosystem Development and Partnerships
Google stressed the importance of collaboration in building the Android XR ecosystem. Early eyewear partners announced include Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, who will create stylish glasses featuring the new platform.
The partnership with Samsung is also expanding beyond headsets to co-develop Android XR for glasses, with the two companies creating a software and reference hardware platform to enable other manufacturers.
Developers will gain access to build for the Android XR platform later this year. The Android XR SDK Developer Preview 2 is already available, featuring new Material XR components and updated tools.
Google assured that it is gathering feedback on prototypes with trusted testers to ensure the products are assistive and respect user privacy. Observers noted the promising look of the user interface and the potential for these devices, expected to launch this year, to significantly alter personal computing.