Google, at the Android Show: XR Edition on Monday, outlined the next phase of the broader Android XR platform and confirmed new upgrades for the Galaxy XR headset. The update introduces PC Connect, Likeness and Travel Mode, along with a first look at AI glasses and wired XR devices coming from partners next year.
New upgrades for Galaxy XR
Google is rolling out new features designed to enhance spatial productivity and support more everyday use cases for the Galaxy XR.
PC Connect
PC Connect enables a Windows PC to be linked directly to the headset. Users can pull a single window or their entire desktop into Galaxy XR and place it next to native Google Play apps. This allows multitasking and PC gaming on large virtual screens.
Likeness
Likeness introduces a realistic digital representation of the user’s face that responds to facial expressions and hand gestures during video calls. In apps such as Google Meet, users can choose between stylized Galaxy Avatars or more natural human-like avatars.
Travel Mode
Travel Mode creates a stable immersive viewing or working environment during transit. It enables users to watch movies on a large virtual screen or review documents on the move with a visual field that remains steady. The Galaxy XR Travel Case keeps the device portable and secure for travel.
Expanding Android XR form factors
Google reiterated that upcoming XR hardware will differ in style, weight and immersion to align with user preferences rather than one universal design.
AI glasses
Google and Samsung are working with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker on lightweight glasses designed for all-day wear. Two product categories are in development:
- AI glasses with screen-free assistance using speakers, microphones and cameras for natural interaction with Gemini, hands-free help and photo capture.
- Display AI glasses featuring an in-lens display that provides contextual information such as translation captions or turn-by-turn navigation.
The first AI glasses are scheduled to arrive next year.
Wired XR glasses
Android XR will also support wired XR glasses that blend real-world visibility with spatial overlays. Google previewed Project Aura from XREAL, featuring a 70-degree field of view and optical see-through technology that enables multiple floating windows within the physical environment for work or entertainment.
Further launch information for Project Aura will be shared next year.
Developer updates
Google announced Developer Preview 3 of the Android XR SDK, formally opening development for AI glasses. The SDK adds tools and APIs for augmented experiences and introduces new capabilities for building more spatial and immersive apps for headsets and wired XR glasses.
Availability
- PC Connect begins rolling out today in beta.
- Likeness begins rolling out today in beta.
- Travel Mode and other Android XR improvements begin rolling out to users from December 8 in the United States and Korea.