Google is making another attempt to enter the headset market with the introduction of Android XR, a new operating system designed specifically for extended reality (XR) devices like headsets and smart glasses. The company has been working in this direction with Google Glass since 2013. And this time, in collaboration with Samsung and other hardware manufacturers, Google plans to bring XR devices to market early next year. The company is already providing the new OS to developers to speed up app creation and testing.

The OS aims to bring immersive experiences to multiple apps, including Maps, Photos, and YouTube, in addition to a multiwindow, multitasking-enabled version of Chrome for browsing. Like Apple’s approach with iPad apps on the Vision Pro, Android XR will also support existing phone and tablet apps from the Play Store, increasing its versatility across all devices.

At the heart of the Android XR experience is Google’s Gemini AI, which the company believes will play a key role in making XR devices more user-friendly. As Gemini evolves into a more multimodal AI system capable of capturing and producing both audio and video, the glasses and headset are likely to become more intuitive and useful.

The choice of the term “XR” (extended reality) is important, as it covers a broad spectrum of immersive experiences, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). The company also envisions XR devices that could either be standalone or paired with smartphones, and it remains to be seen whether Google will develop its own hardware to support this ecosystem.

How does this work?

In the blog, Google explains that with the headset, users can easily switch between being fully immersed in the virtual environment and remaining present in the real world. The OS will also help fill the surrounding space with apps and content, and with our AI assistant Gemini, you can even have a conversation about what you’re watching or control your device. Gemini is able to understand your intentions, make plans, research topics and guide you in various tasks.

It’s also reimagining some Google apps for the headset. Users can watch YouTube and Google TV on a virtual big screen, or view Google Photos in 3D. Notably, users will be able to use Circle to Search to instantly get information about anything they come across with just a simple gesture.

While the Android ecosystem, and wearable technology. The real test will be whether consumers are ready to adopt and wear these next generationtion device.