In late 2024, Google unveiled Android XR, developed in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm. Android XR combines AI, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) to offer experiences with mixed reality (XR) devices. Today at TED2025, Android XR lead Shahram Izadi used a prototype of the XR glasses to demonstrate some of the device’s features during his talk.
Image source: Google
Google has released XR versions of Maps, YouTube, Chrome, and other apps specifically for Android XR. The company is currently working on a multi-window version of the browser to work in XR mode and support for existing apps in Google Play. In addition to the interface, Android XR differs from the “regular” OS in its extended set of functions based on the Gemini multimodal AI model, which, according to Google, will significantly expand the functionality of XR gadgets.
Google and Samsung are currently working on releasing Android XR devices that will take advantage of all of Google’s latest advances in AI. Google is betting on a glasses form factor, while Samsung is developing something similar to Apple’s Vision Pro. Very little is known about Google’s Android XR gadgets yet, but Izadi’s performance in such glasses confirms that the company is serious about its intentions.
The glasses Izadi used were no different from the prototypes that had previously leaked online. They demonstrated the process of translating Farsi into English, recognizing images, and interacting with Android devices and the glasses. They also showed off Samsung’s XR headset, which focuses on multi-window operation, multitasking, and viewing VR content.
No specific information was provided about the possible release dates for consumer products running Android XR.