Last December, Google laid out its vision for Android XR. A month ago, that vision came closer to reality with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, which has already received an overwhelmingly positive response.
At The Android Show: XR Edition, Google revealed a fresh wave of updates designed to push the entire Android XR experience forward.
Smarter, More Powerful Features Coming to Galaxy XR
Starting today, Galaxy XR users will gain access to new features aimed at enhancing productivity, entertainment, and real-world usability. These updates make it easier to integrate spatial computing into everyday life.
PC Connect: Your Computer Inside Your Headset
Google is introducing PC Connect, a feature that lets you link your Windows PC directly to your Galaxy XR headset. You can:
- Pull your full desktop into your virtual space
- Place PC windows next to Android apps
- Work more efficiently with a multi-screen setup
- Stream and play PC games on a massive virtual display
PC Connect starts rolling out today in beta.
Travel Mode: Your Personal Cinema Anywhere
A cramped airplane seat can now feel like your own private entertainment hub. With travel mode, your visual field stays stable even during movement, giving you:
- A floating movie theatre
- A distraction-free workspace
- A steady multi-window environment
It’s perfect for travelers who want productivity and entertainment on the go.
Likeness: A Realistic Digital Version of You
Video calls are about to feel more natural. With Likeness, you can create a lifelike digital representation of your face. It mirrors:
- Facial expressions
- Mouth movements
- Head gestures
- Hand motions
This makes conversations inside the XR headset feel personal and authentic. Likeness begins rolling out today in beta 1.
Expanding the Android XR Ecosystem
To make XR and AI genuinely useful, hardware must fit different lifestyles, preferences, and comfort levels. That’s why Google is building Android XR to support multiple device types — from immersive headsets to lightweight smart glasses.
AI Glasses: Designed for All-Day Wearability
At Google I/O, the company announced its collaboration with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker to create stylish XR glasses that blend technology with everyday fashion. Two versions are currently being developed:
1. AI Glasses for Screen-Free Assistance
These glasses use onboard:
- Cameras
- Microphones
- Speakers
They let you interact naturally with Gemini, take photos, ask questions, and get instant help — all without a screen.
2. Display AI Glasses with In-Lens Visuals
These add a subtle digital display built right into the lens. They can show:
- Navigation directions
- Translation captions
- Timely notifications
- Contextual information
Everything appears privately within your line of sight.
The first generation of these glasses will debut next year.
Wired XR Glasses: The Best of AR and VR Combined
Android XR will also support wired XR glasses, a hybrid design that blends immersive content with real-world visibility.
Google showcased the first prototype in this category:
Project Aura by XREAL
These glasses offer:
- A wide 70-degree field of view
- Optical see-through lenses
- Real-time digital overlays
- A large private workspace with multiple windows
Use cases include:
- Following a floating recipe while cooking
- Seeing visual repair instructions anchored to appliances
- Watching videos or working without blocking real-world surroundings
Project Aura will be officially launched next year.
Developers: Building the Future of XR Together
Google emphasized that hardware is only one part of the XR journey. To empower developers, it is releasing Developer Preview 3 of the Android XR SDK.
This update includes:
- Full support for developing AI glasses apps
- New APIs for augmented experiences
- Tools for creating immersive headset and wired-glass visuals
Partners like Uber and GetYourGuide are already exploring new XR-powered ideas.
Developers can get started on the Android Developer Blog, while everyone else can subscribe to Google’s newsletter for updates on upcoming devices.
Sponsored article: The Android Show: New features for Galaxy XR and a look at future devices
