😎 Google is quietly building an XR empire
Google just showed what its future XR world looks like — all powered by Android XR, one OS for headsets, glasses, and whatever comes next.
First comes the Samsung Galaxy XR, a $1800 VR headset tied to an external compute puck and deeply fused with Gemini. Then Project Aura, basically the same device in chunky AR-glasses form: same chip, same gestures, same apps. A tethered setup with ~70° FOV — devs love it because one build runs everywhere.
But the star is the AI glasses: almost normal frames, a display in one lens, and your phone doing the heavy lifting. The UI is literally enhanced phone notifications — music controls, Maps arrows, Uber details, Gemini hints. Developers only add a few APIs; no separate AR apps needed. Even iPhone support via Gemini is in.
Privacy? Hardware switch + bright recording indicator. No cheating.
Launch in 2026, with a dual-display 3D prototype planned for 2027.