Google’s recent announcement of android XR has sparked both excitement and skepticism within the tech community. While the promise of a new extended reality (XR) platform is enticing, many are wary of Google’s track record of abandoning projects that fail to achieve immediate success. This pattern has left third-party developers cautious, as they’ve seen firsthand how Google’s enthusiasm for innovation can quickly turn into indifference.
The company’s history of discontinuing products is well-documented. The website Killed by Google keeps a running tally of the company’s discontinued projects, which now stands at a staggering 296. Among the most notable casualties is Google Daydream, the company’s first foray into the XR space, launched in 2016. Daydream was designed to bring virtual reality (VR) experiences to Android smartphones, offering a platform were developers could create and distribute VR apps via the Play Store.
Google’s initial efforts with Daydream were ambitious. The company introduced the Daydream View headset, which allowed users to insert their Android phones for a VR experience akin to Samsung’s Gear VR. Over the next two years,Google expanded the platform by adding support for more devices,releasing an upgraded version of the headset,and even collaborating with Lenovo to create one of the first 6DOF standalone VR headsets, the Mirage Solo. Despite these advancements, the platform struggled to gain traction, and Google eventually discontinued Daydream in 2019.
The story of Daydream is emblematic of Google’s broader approach to innovation. The company is known for launching bold,experimental projects,but it often pulls the plug if they don’t achieve rapid success. This has left developers and users alike questioning whether Android XR will suffer the same fate. As one Reddit user noted, “If you can’t pick one up, you can either settle for shooting regular panoramas with your phone (which you can view with daydream but they won’t have any depth info so they won’t appear 3D) or, and I don’t know if it’s still available or if you need to find an apk, use Google’s Cardboard Camera app, which shoots a panorama in stereo 3D” [[3]]. These moves left users with limited options for VR content and raised questions about the viability of Google’s future XR endeavors.
As Google moves forward with Android XR, the company faces a critical challenge: convincing developers and users that this platform is here to stay. The lessons from Daydream are clear—innovation alone is not enough. Sustained commitment and support are essential for building trust and fostering long-term success in the competitive XR landscape.
| Key Points About Google Daydream |
|————————————–|
| Launched in 2016 as Google’s first XR platform |
| Featured the Daydream View headset for Android smartphones |
| Expanded with the Lenovo Mirage Solo, a 6DOF standalone headset |
| Discontinued in 2019 due to lack of traction |
| Left developers and users wary of Google’s long-term commitment |
As the tech world watches Google’s next steps with Android XR, the question remains: will this platform break the cycle of abandonment, or will it join the ranks of projects like Daydream and Stadia? Only time will tell.
Google’s Android XR: A Fresh Start or Déjà Vu for Developers?
Google is making waves in the extended reality (XR) space once again with its new Android XR platform, set to debut on Samsung’s upcoming Project Moohan headset. But as excitement builds, many developers are approaching the platform with caution, haunted by the ghost of Google’s abandoned Daydream VR initiative.
A Rocky History: The Rise and Fall of Daydream
In 2016, Google launched Daydream, a mobile VR platform designed to bring immersive experiences to Android smartphones. Despite initial enthusiasm, the platform struggled to gain traction. By 2019, google had discontinued Daydream, citing low adoption rates and a lack of developer support.
For many developers, the abrupt shutdown was a bitter pill to swallow. “We believed in Google’s vision and invested time and resources into building apps for Daydream,” one developer lamented. “When they pulled the plug, it felt like a betrayal.”
now, five years later, Google is back with Android XR, promising a more robust and sustainable ecosystem. But can the tech giant regain the trust of developers burned by its past missteps?
Android XR: A New Hope
Google’s latest foray into XR is built on a decade of investment in augmented and virtual reality technologies. A company spokesperson emphasized this commitment, stating:
“We’ve been investing in this category for over a decade and we are fully committed to Android XR.While the platform is new, you can see the work we’ve done over the years in products like ARCore, Live View in Maps, the Geospatial API, and Google Lens. We’re excited to work with the community to build a thriving XR ecosystem like we do for phones, TV, Auto, and Wear.”
The spokesperson also highlighted Google’s focus on AI integration,noting that XR headsets and glasses are ideal for showcasing the multimodal,conversational capabilities of its Gemini AI.
Developer-Pleasant Features
To address developer concerns, Google has made meaningful efforts to lower the barrier to entry for Android XR. Key features include:
- seamless 2D App Integration: All compatible 2D Android apps from the Play Store will work on the platform without requiring additional effort from developers.
- XR Tools in Familiar Environments: XR capabilities have been integrated into existing Android developer tools, making it easier for developers to transition to immersive experiences.
- Partnerships and Open Standards: Collaborations with Unity and a focus on open standards like OpenXR aim to provide a clear path for developers to create immersive content.
“We’re making sustainable and scalable investments for developers,” the spokesperson added.
samsung’s Project Moohan: The First Android XR Headset
The first device to showcase Android XR will be Samsung’s Project Moohan headset. While details remain scarce, the headset is expected to leverage Google’s XR platform to deliver cutting-edge immersive experiences.
Will Developers Take the Leap?
Despite Google’s assurances, skepticism remains. “Fool me once…” is a sentiment echoed by many in the developer community. Though, the tech giant’s renewed focus on sustainability, scalability, and open standards could be the key to winning back trust.
As one developer put it, “If Google can prove they’re in it for the long haul, I’m willing to give Android XR a shot. But they’ll need to show more than just promises this time.”
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Platform | Android XR |
| First Device | Samsung’s Project Moohan headset |
| Developer Tools | Integration with Unity, OpenXR, and existing Android tools |
| AI Integration | Gemini’s multimodal capabilities |
| Past Missteps | Daydream VR’s discontinuation in 2019 |
The Road Ahead
Google’s return to XR marks a pivotal moment for the immersive tech industry. With Android XR, the company has an chance to redefine its role in the space and rebuild bridges with developers. But as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.Will Android XR succeed where Daydream failed? Only time—and Google’s commitment—will tell.What are your thoughts on Google’s latest XR venture? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Google’s Android XR: A New Chapter in Extended Reality
Google is gearing up for the official release of Android XR,its next-generation platform for extended reality (XR). With a focus on rebuilding trust with developers and fostering a robust ecosystem, the tech giant is taking a fresh approach to XR development. In a recent interview with road to VR, Shahram izadi, Google’s VP of XR, shared insights into the company’s strategy, emphasizing collaboration with key partners like Samsung and Qualcomm, as well as simplifying the developer experience.
Rebuilding Trust with Developers
Google’s journey in the XR space has been marked by “stops and starts,” as Izadi acknowledged. Past ventures like Daydream and Gear VR left developers wary, but Google is resolute to turn the page. “Number one, I think you’re right, there’s trust to be built with developers,” Izadi said. “We never sort of disengaged with this community and this industry.”
The company’s commitment is evident in its ongoing efforts with ARCore, which serves as a bridge between smartphones and future XR devices.Unlike Daydream, which was a layer on top of Android, Android XR is a main branch of Android, signaling a deeper integration and long-term investment.
Key Partnerships: Samsung and Qualcomm
Google’s collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm is a cornerstone of its Android XR strategy. Izadi highlighted the meaning of these partnerships, noting that Samsung’s involvement and Qualcomm’s migration of Snapdragon Spaces to Android XR demonstrate a unified approach.
“You then layer in Samsung and their connection to this,and Qualcomm and their connection to this,and the fact that they’re migrating Snapdragon Spaces and Android XR together,” Izadi explained. “There’s kind of a developer reach that we’re starting to establish that shows our commitment to developers.”
Simplifying the Developer Experience
One of Google’s primary goals is to make the transition to XR development as seamless as possible. Izadi emphasized the importance of respecting existing VR developers and providing them with accessible tools.
“Whether it’s onboarding developers from the Unity and OpenXR side, just being kind of respectful of the VR developers that are out there, and ensuring that they have an on-ramp,” he said.
For Android developers, flat apps serve as a stepping stone. “Flat [apps] are kind of the gateway… [after that, expanding flat apps to take advantage of spatial] is the next step,” Izadi added.Google has focused on making it easy for developers to spatialize their apps, enabling features like adding environments and 3D objects.
The Road Ahead
While google’s efforts are promising,the success of Android XR hinges on developer buy-in. Competing against industry giants like Meta and Apple, Google must demonstrate its commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem of third-party XR apps.
as Izadi put it, “I think all of these things will come together to show that we’re trying to do things differently and that we’re committed to this space.”
Key takeaways: Android XR at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Platform Integration | Android XR is a main branch of Android, not a layer like Daydream. |
| Key Partners | Samsung and Qualcomm are collaborating closely on the platform. |
| Developer Focus | Simplifying workflows for Unity, OpenXR, and Android developers. |
| Spatialization Tools | Easy-to-use tools for adding environments and 3D objects to apps.|
| Competition | Google faces competition from Meta and Apple in the XR space. |
Google’s Android XR represents a bold step forward in the XR landscape. By prioritizing developer trust, fostering strategic partnerships, and simplifying the development process, Google aims to carve out a significant presence in the competitive XR market. As the official release approaches, all eyes will be on how well the company delivers on its promises.
For more insights into Google’s XR strategy, check out the full interview with Shahram Izadi on Road to VR.