Is Google Preparing to Introduce an Augmented Reality Gadget?
Google Steps Up in the Extended Reality Race with Samsung Partnership and Android XR Platform
Google's focus in the current technological landscape is undoubtedly the XR market, as evidenced by its latest strategic initiatives. The tech giant has announced the development of the Android XR platform, an operating system designed for extended reality devices, in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm.
The Android XR platform is a significant step towards creating a more open and accessible XR ecosystem, offering a broader range of apps and experiences compared to competitors like Apple's XR headset. This OS is designed specifically for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) headsets.
One of the key developments arising from these collaborations is Project Moohan, a premium mixed reality headset co-developed by Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm. Scheduled for release in 2025, Project Moohan runs on the Android XR operating system and boasts impressive specifications. It utilises the powerful Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, offering CPU and GPU improvements of up to 20% and 15%, respectively, compared to previous chips. The headset supports up to 4.3K resolution per eye and features advanced pancake optics for a slim design and a wired external battery pack to reduce headset weight.
Project Moohan offers color passthrough AR and multiple interaction modes, including hand tracking, eye tracking, VR controllers, keyboard/mouse, aiming for seamless transitions between virtual and real environments.
Google's strategic initiatives extend beyond Project Moohan. Although the details about independent Google AR hardware are less clear, speculation suggests that consumer versions of Google's AR glasses could appear as early as 2026. The acquisition of a segment of HTC's XR division for $250 million is part of Google's effort to leverage HTC's expertise in developing consumer-ready AR devices.
The XR market is a competitive field, with major players like Google, Apple, and Meta vying for dominance. Vendors like Google and Samsung are leveraging partnerships to advance both hardware and software capabilities, emphasising utility and openness in contrast to more closed platforms. The maturing XR smart glasses and mixed reality devices market in 2025 is expected to be driven by improvements in display, interaction, and ergonomics, leading to increased adoption.
In summary, Google's AR device development is now closely tied to its Android XR platform and its partnership with Samsung on Project Moohan, with a premium mixed reality headset expected soon. Independent Google AR hardware may still be forthcoming but is less clearly defined at this time. The tech giant is positioning itself alongside competitors like Apple and Meta in the XR market, aiming to create a more open and accessible ecosystem for consumers.
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/15/22978390/google-samsung-project-moohan-ar-headset-android-xr-platform [2] https://www.androidcentral.com/google-samsung-project-moohan-android-xr-headset [3] https://www.theinformation.com/articles/google-ar-glasses-project-iris-2026 [4] https://www.reuters.com/technology/google-samsung-collaborate-mixed-reality-headset-2023-03-15/ [5] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/google-samsung-project-moohan-ar-headset-android-xr-platform-release-date/
- Google's new product, the Android XR platform, is designed for extended reality devices, marking a significant move in the business of technology.
- Alongside Samsung and Qualcomm, Google is developing Project Moohan, a premium mixed reality headset running on the Android XR platform, to be launched in 2025.
- In the competitive XR market, with rivals like Apple and Meta, Google aims to create a more open and accessible ecosystem with their new technology.
- The partnership between Google and Samsung acts as a strategic move in the race of gadgets, with a focus on artificial-intelligence and cutting-edge technology to gain an edge over competitors.
