Even though Android XR hasn’t fully embraced the open-source ethos quite yet, Google’s vision for its OS is clear: it aims to power a wide range of partner headsets. While Samsung appears poised to be the trailblazer with an Android XR headset, names like Sony, Lynx, and XREAL are also lined up to integrate this operating system into their devices.
Earlier this year, Meta revealed its plans to allow third-party access to the Quest’s Horizon OS, presenting an alternative for headset manufacturers. The introduction of Android XR now offers yet another option, expanding the toolkit for those developing XR technology.
Google has confirmed that big players such as Sony, Lynx, and XREAL are on board with Android XR.
Take Sony, for instance. Their SRH-S1 headset, tailored for enterprise use, seems a prime candidate for Android XR. When we had the chance to experience this headset firsthand earlier this year, Sony was tight-lipped about their platform plans, particularly where users would find content. Turning to Android XR saves them from the monumental task of developing their own XR operating platform from scratch.
For now, Sony’s PlayStation VR line isn’t expected to jump ship to Android XR. They’ll likely remain tethered to the PlayStation OS, maintaining continuity for their dedicated gaming audience.
Over in the Lynx camp, we meet the R-1, a mixed reality headset that’s been in the making for quite some time. Part of Lynx’s uphill battle has been establishing a comprehensive software foundation that meets an XR headset’s demands. According to Stan Larroque, founder of Lynx, while the R-1 won’t shift to Android XR, future iterations might. This strategic pivot could lower their software development expenses and open the door to a broader ecosystem of applications and content.
XREAL, known for crafting AR glasses that act as vibrant, floating displays for external devices, hasn’t fully laid out its plans for Android XR. However, it’s a safe guess that their upcoming devices might well be built upon this platform, enabling more robust functionalities.
Even though Meta and Google promote interoperability of their XR operating systems with third-party headsets, they remain the gatekeepers. Neither Horizon OS nor Android XR has so far opened its doors completely. At present, only select partners have the privilege of building on these systems.
With both systems in competitive play, the race is on. There’s mounting pressure on both Meta and Google to stake a claim to being the more open OS. This competitive tension could drive either—or both—companies to open up their XR platforms to wider, unrestricted use in the near future.
