Google Unveils New Preview of Android XR Development Tools

Alright, let’s dive into the chaotic world of Android XR updates! So, Google’s back at it, throwing more magic at us with their second Developer Preview for the Android XR SDK. I mean, who can keep up? Late last year they dropped the first bombshell, and now, here we are again. The new features? They’re like sprinkles on top of an already overloaded ice cream cone. More immersive video support! Adaptive UI layouts! Hand-tracking in ARCore for Jetpack! Whew.

Anyway — or was it, hold on — announced at Google I/O, the updates aim to give developers a toolkit so they aren’t left in the lurch trying to figure out this XR thing. Like, here are some standardized tools for making XR-native apps or getting regular Android apps to play nice on headsets. Why do I imagine developers singing “Hallelujah”? Must be my overactive imagination.

Oh, and let’s not forget the 180° and 360° stereoscopic video playback with MV-HEVC format. If that sounds like Greek to you, well, same here. But apparently, it’s the go-to codec for 3D immersive video. So, there’s that.

Now, brace yourselves for the geeky part — Jetpack Compose for XR, which is basically like Google pulling a “one UI to rule them all” move. It’s all about getting your UI to play nice whether you’re on a phone, a tablet, or wearing some funky headset with SubspaceModifier and SpatialExternalSurface. Did any of that make sense? Maybe not. But hey, it’s important (or so they say).

Seeing a pic of Samsung’s Project Moohan got me dreaming. One day, we might all be wearing those or the AR glasses called XREAL Project Aura. Not that I know when these gadgets are hitting the shelves.

Oh, hand-tracking! I almost forgot — there are 26 posed joints for futuristic wave-your-hand interaction. And Google’s thrown a bunch of samples, benchmarks, and guides our way. Handy (pun intended).

Now backtrack a second… Material Design for XR expands! Perhaps it means our apps will seamlessly adjust to big screens, which is cool — I guess? Though most developers are still headset-less. We need those emulators, or we’re toast.

What else is brewing? Unity’s in the mix too, improving OpenXR and offering swanky new templates for XR development. Hand mesh occlusion, anyone? Sounds like a spell from Harry Potter, but I’m sure it’s useful.

The not-so-secret reveal: Google’s releasing Android XR smart glasses, one flavor resembling Ray-Ban Meta glasses and the other sporting mini displays for stuff like texts and videos. Warby Parker and Gentle Monster get a mention, teasing us with fancy eyewear dreams.

Last but not least, go check out more deets on the Android XR Developer Preview if you’re still curious or need a brain workout. I think I need a nap after all that. 🚀