Highlights
- Samsung’s headset gains PC Connect, Likeness avatars and Travel Mode, boosting multitasking, lifelike communication and on‑the‑go use.
- Google previewed AI glasses (screenless & display types) with partners Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, plus wired XR glasses like Project Aura.
- Android XR SDK Developer Preview 3 opens development for AI glasses.
Caption – Android Show: XR Edition. (Image credit – Samsung)
Google used its recent Android Show: XR Edition event to outline the next evolution of the Android XR platform. The tech giant also confirmed an upcoming feature-packed update for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset. The rollout brings new capabilities such as PC Connect, Likeness and Travel Mode, while also offering a first look at next-generation AI glasses and wired XR hardware set to arrive next year through Google’s partners.
Google says the latest upgrades aim to boost spatial productivity and extend the Galaxy XR’s usefulness across more real-world scenarios.
PC Connect
The new PC Connect feature lets users link a Windows PC directly with the Galaxy XR headset. Once connected, users can bring a single window or their entire desktop into the virtual environment and position it alongside native Google Play apps.
This setup supports multitasking on large virtual displays and even enables PC gaming inside the headset.
PC Connect is now rolling out in beta.
Likeness
Likeness introduces a highly realistic digital avatar that mirrors a user’s facial expressions and hand gestures during video calls. In Google Meet and similar apps, users will be able to switch between stylised Galaxy Avatars or more natural, human-like representations for more lifelike communication.
Likeness is now rolling out in beta.
Travel Mode
Travel Mode creates a steady visual environment during movement, allowing users to watch movies on a large virtual screen or review documents while in transit. Samsung is also offering a Galaxy XR Travel Case to make transporting the headset safer and more convenient.
Travel Mode and other Android XR improvements will start reaching users from December 8 in the US and Korea.
Expanding Android XR Hardware
Google highlighted that the future Android XR ecosystem will include a wider variety of devices, lighter, more stylish and tailored to diverse user needs, rather than relying on a single form factor.
AI Glasses
Google and Samsung are collaborating with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to create lightweight AI glasses suitable for all-day use. Two categories are being developed including the following –
- AI glasses without screens, using microphones, cameras and speakers to deliver hands-free assistance from Gemini and allow natural interactions and photo capture.
- Display AI glasses featuring in-lens displays capable of showing contextual information such as translations or navigation prompts.
The first set of AI glasses is expected to launch next year.
Wired XR Glasses
Google also previewed upcoming wired XR glasses supported by Android XR. Among them is Project Aura from XREAL, which uses optical see-through technology and a 70-degree field of view to project multiple floating windows into the user’s physical surroundings. These glasses target productivity and entertainment through spatial overlays. More details on Project Aura will be shared in 2025.
Developer Updates
Alongside these announcements, Google released Developer Preview 3 of the Android XR SDK. This version officially opens development for AI glasses and adds new tools, APIs and capabilities for creating immersive spatial applications suited for headsets, wired XR devices and future wearables.
FAQs
Q1. What new features are coming to the Samsung Galaxy XR headset?
Answer. The update introduces PC Connect, Likeness avatars, and Travel Mode to enhance productivity and communication.
Q2. How does the new PC Connect feature work?
Answer. It lets users link a Windows PC to the Galaxy XR, bringing desktop windows into the virtual environment for multitasking and even PC gaming.
Q3. What future hardware did Google preview for Android XR?
Answer. Google showcased AI glasses (screenless and display types) with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, plus wired XR glasses like Project Aura from XREAL.