Google Working on XR Headsets with Android Support, Teardown Reveals
For a while now, there have been rumors circulating about Google and Samsung’s plans for XR headsets running on Android. However, a recent teardown of the Play Store app suggests that Google is actively working on implementing software support for these devices. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that the headsets will be released imminently, it does indicate that Google is making preparations for their arrival.
Android Authority conducted a thorough examination of the latest APK file for the Play Store interface on Android and uncovered some compelling evidence. Android apps now have the capability to detect compatibility with an “XR headset” device, similar to how they check for compatibility with phones, tablets, watches, and Chromebooks. Furthermore, there is an icon representing the device class, clearly depicting a headset in the style of Oculus.
While Android serves as the underlying open-source operating system for Meta’s Quest VR headsets, the software used on these devices is heavily modified and diverges significantly from the Android experience familiar to most users.
XR headsets, encompassing virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality as defined by Arm, are expected to be more portable and user-friendly devices. Companies like Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm have been exploring this space for some time, albeit facing delays in their development efforts.
Ray Ban
Despite ongoing advancements in VR technology, a truly compelling case for widespread adoption of headsets or glasses has yet to be established. Major tech players like Samsung, Google, Microsoft, and Apple have all ventured into this territory, each seeking to introduce the next breakthrough gadget.
As the smartphone market approaches saturation, tech companies are driven to innovate and explore new form factors to sustain growth. The allure of creating demand for premium devices or tapping into emerging markets fuels their pursuit of cutting-edge technologies.
Moreover, the prevalent portrayal of vision-based interfaces in science fiction and video games has instilled a belief among industry leaders that smart glasses or high-powered headsets are an inevitable evolution in consumer electronics.
Reminiscent of the anticipation surrounding the original Galaxy Gear watch in 2013, the tech community eagerly awaits the emergence of Dick Tracy-style smartwatches and other futuristic devices. Despite uncertainties about practical applications, the collective expectation for wearable technology remains strong.
With Google poised to reenter the headset arena, the race for innovation in XR devices continues. Whether Google succeeds or not, the pursuit of groundbreaking advancements in augmented reality and virtual reality remains a driving force in the tech industry.
