Alan Truly / Digital Trends

Over the days , Google has made many attempts at push VR and AR ahead , whether it was Google Cardboard , Google Glass , or Google Daydream . All were failed undertaking , ultimately .

But with the introduction of the Vision Pro and Meta ’s recent announcements , there ’s never been so much interest group in extended realness ( XR ) headset and AR glasses . And with theGoogle I / group O developer conferencecoming this week , there are rumors that Google may make another speculation into this technology .

Google’s in the game

Apple ’s launch of the Vision Pro does n’t necessarily demand a response from Google . It ’s a relatively niche equipment given its gamey price . But we cognize Google is in the game based on some recent hints .

Google ’s AR and VRaccount on X ( formerly twitter ) recently posted that the caller would share augmented world news at Google I / O 2024 . Several sessions mentionARCore , the augmented world software built into many Android gadget . Third - party developer can create AR apps with ARCore , and we ’re expecting some developments on this front .

Mark your calendars . 🗓 ️ Join us at#GoogleIOon May 14th to learn about the latest developer products and#ARannouncements ! Register today : https://t.co/5rPQps7FH0pic.twitter.com / CgxtarnP5 m

& mdash ; Google AR & amp ; VR ( @GoogleARVR)April 10 , 2024

Two year ago at Google I / type O 2022 , the company showeda telecasting of prototype smart spectacles that translateand transcribe languages . It ’s possible that we could see some more ambitious demos like this , or an update on one of the existing projects .

There was also lecture of an XR headset , but aBusiness Insiderreport suggests Google canceled that projection . But is it in reality idle ? Let ’s see what we know so far .

Will Google make an XR headset?

It ’s possible that Google will make an XR headset in the time to come , but the next gadget powered by Google ’s AR and VR technology is more likely to come from Samsung .

Last yr at Galaxy Unpacked 2023 , Google and Qualcomm executives joined Samsung ’s TM Roh onstage to announceplans to construct an XR headset . Samsung did n’t reveal any details beyond the quislingism . Still , it was an intriguing teaser timed to arrive beforethe annunciation of the Vision Pro at Apple ’s Worldwide Developers Conference .

Google and Samsung each have backgrounds in developing AR and VR products . While the2015 Google Glassand2016 Daydream Viewweren’t democratic among consumers , Google took an other lead in the XR space and redirect its efforts towardenterprise client in 2017 . And Samsung partnered with Oculus ( now Meta ) in 2015 to launch the reasonably successfulGearVR headset that used a phone for a screen , trailing . and processing .

Meanwhile , Qualcomm is a leading XR hardware developer that is actively advertize this technology forward . XR encompasses both AR and VR technologies , andQualcomm ’s Snapdragon XR2and AR chips power the most popular VR headset and smart glass , likeMeta ’s Quest 3andRay - Ban Meta Smart Glasses .

A joint ontogenesis from Samsung , Google , and Qualcomm has the potentiality to disrupt the industry . Qualcomm can provide XR processors and reference designs to quicken the summons , Samsung could make up and disseminate the gadget , and Google could render software package . Whether or not it will come together at I / O is still in the air , but that does n’t mean we wo n’t catch a glimpse of it next week .

Android XR

Google develops Android for phones and tablet , along with Wear O for watches , but neither of those will suffice for an XR headset . To compete with Apple ’s Vision Pro , Google needs a newfangled spatial operating system to provide a virtual exploiter user interface that hovers in front of the wearer ’s centre and responds to their hand gestures or comptroller input .

We hump Android XR is a real Cartesian product since that designation appears in the code of Google ’s Play Store , alongside similar mention to a phone , foldable , pill , TV , and more . A web log namedTheSPAndroiduncovered these details in September of last year .

Android XR might also include features optimize for AR meth based onthe inquiry that predate Google Glass . With over a ten of developing AR apps and prototypes , it certainly seems possible that Google has the resources take to set up a heedful spacial user interface .

Meanwhile , Meta announced design to open - sourceHorizon OS , the core software of the pop Quest 3 VR headset . Lenovo , Asus , and Microsoft are already working with Meta to create new headset that can run game and apps from the Quest subroutine library .

The lines have been drawn for a diverse market place boast concepts from most major tech companies . Apple has visionOS and Meta is expanding the grasp of Horizon OS , while Google and Samsung prepare to set up a solution championing Android XR . It ’s an exciting clip for spatial computing , especially if Android XR makes its debut this class .

Android XR at Google I/O

The late burst of action paint a picture now is the ripe time for Google to expand beyond the ARCore framework . I would n’t be surprised if Google announce Android XR — a unadulterated political platform for VR , AR , and spacial computation — at Google I / O , .

Developers are alreadybuilding apps for AppleandMeta headset . Google needs to take advantage of this momentum to verify apps and services will support Android XR .

The good intelligence is that Samsung ’s XR headset should be able-bodied to run several Android apps at launch . SinceQualcomm ’s Snapdragon XR2 platformis compatible with Snapdragon mobile processors , porting apps to Android XR could be comparatively light .

This would be comparable to theApple Vision Pro ’s ability to be given iPad apps . While 2D windows be adrift in a 3D space is n’t the best purpose of an XR headset , it function and feel familiar . An Android XR headset that syncs with your Android phone and pad of paper , as well as your Wear OS watch and Chromebook , would be a compelling solution .

With a few impressive immersive environments and fun miscellaneous - reality games , Google could secure its place as technology begin to make the intuitive , holographical , AI - enhance calculator interfaces of sci - fi movies a reality .

We ’ll have to wait and see if Google in reality makes I / O the launch outcome for its renewed interest in XR and AR .