Google I/O 2025: Android XR platform detailed with Glasses, SDK Preview 2, and Unity Tools

At its 2025 Google I/O conference, Google shared new details about Android XR—its immersive platform built for glasses, headsets, and related devices. Android XR is the first Android platform developed during the Gemini era.

Shahram Izadi, Google’s VP & GM of XR, said Android XR was developed in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm to support immersive experiences, including Samsung’s upcoming Project Moohan headset. He added that Gemini technology enables the platform to understand the user’s environment and take context-aware actions.

Android XR Glasses: Features and Use Cases

Google introduced new smart glasses featuring built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers. These glasses work with a user’s phone to provide app access without needing to take out the device. An optional in-lens display offers private, timely information.

When paired with Gemini, the glasses can detect context, retain important details, and assist with tasks. Google showcased real-world examples including messaging, navigation, appointments, photography, and live language translation. The demo showed how the glasses could provide real-time subtitles during conversations.

Design and Partnerships

Izadi emphasized the importance of comfort and style for everyday wear. Google shared that it is working with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to develop Android XR-compatible glasses. Future collaborations will include companies like Kering Eyewear.

Google is also working closely with Samsung to expand Android XR from headsets to glasses. A joint hardware and software platform is in development to support this transition. Developers will be able to begin building for it later this year. User testing is ongoing to ensure the devices meet privacy and usability standards.

Android XR SDK: Developer Preview 2

Matthew McCullough, VP of Product Management for Android Developer, introduced Developer Preview 2 of the Android XR SDK. The latest update enhances user experience, boosts performance, and expands immersive functionality.

Key additions include:

• Added support for playing stereoscopic 180° and 360° videos encoded with the MV-HEVC standard.
• Jetpack Compose for XR now supports adaptive layouts through the use of SubspaceModifier.
• Enhanced Material Design components, including TopAppBar, AlertDialog, and ListDetailPaneScaffold.
• Hand tracking in ARCore via 26 joint points for gesture recognition.
• Emulator updates: improved stability, AMD GPU support, and full Android Studio integration.

Unity and Firebase AI Tools

Developers using Unity can now access the Pre-Release version 2 of the Unity OpenXR: Android XR package. This version adds Dynamic Refresh Rate, SpaceWarp shader support, and occluded hand meshes for realistic visuals.

New Android XR Samples for Unity demonstrate hand tracking, face tracking, passthrough, and plane detection features.

Firebase AI Logic for Unity is now in public preview. This tool allows developers to integrate generative AI powered by Gemini. It supports multimodal input/output and real-time conversations. Integration with Firebase services like App Check, Remote Config, and Cloud Storage enhances security and flexibility.

Open Standards and Future Devices

Google announced ongoing collaboration with the Khronos Group to develop the glTF Interactivity specification, enabling 3D models to react to user input and be supported in Jetpack XR later this year.

The Android XR platform will first launch on Samsung’s Project Moohan headset in late 2025, followed by XREAL’s Project Aura—a portable, tethered device for developers. Both devices will run Android apps and support familiar development tools.

Google Play Store and App Readiness

The Android XR Play Store will list 2D Android apps compatible with XR devices. Developers can prepare by testing apps in the Android XR Emulator and uploading preview assets like 180° or 360° videos and screenshots.

Google will share more details later this year for developers interested in building XR apps for smart glasses. Developers can explore tools and resources now at developer.android.com/develop/xr.