Play Store code indicates Google is prepping for Android XR headsets

There has been a steady stream of news regarding Google and Samsung’s plans for “XR” headsets running Android for quite some time. A recent teardown of the Play Store app reveals that Google is actively working on implementing software support for these headsets. While this doesn’t indicate an imminent release of the headsets, it does suggest that Google is preparing for their arrival.

Android Authority delved into the code of the latest APK file for the Play Store interface on Android and discovered some compelling evidence. Android apps can now determine compatibility with an “XR headset” device, similar to how they check compatibility with phones, tablets, watches, and Chromebooks. There’s even an icon representing the headset device class, resembling the Oculus style.

While Android serves as the underlying open-source operating system for Meta’s Quest VR headsets, the software is heavily modified and locked down. XR headsets, which encompass virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, are anticipated to be more agile and wearable devices. Companies like Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm have been exploring this space for some time, albeit facing delays.

Ray Ban

Despite the enthusiasm for VR technology, no company has yet presented a compelling case for a widespread adoption of headsets or glasses devices. Tech giants like Samsung, Google, Microsoft, and Apple have all ventured into this form factor, seeking to introduce the next groundbreaking gadget.

The push towards new form factors is driven by the saturation of smartphones and tablets in the market. Companies are eager to tap into developing markets or create demand for high-margin devices. Additionally, there seems to be a collective belief among tech leaders that a vision-based interface for electronics is inevitable, given its prevalence in science fiction and video games.

Just like the anticipation surrounding the original Galaxy Gear watch in 2013, the prospect of smart glasses or powerful headsets remains a tantalizing possibility. It’s a vision that many believe will materialize sooner or later, driven by the relentless pursuit of innovation in the tech industry.

So, Google is gearing up for another attempt at launching XR headsets. While success is not guaranteed, the quest for the next groundbreaking device continues, with tech companies vying to be the trailblazers in this evolving landscape.