Currently, Android XR isn’t fully open-source, but Google has big plans for the operating system to power a variety of headsets developed by their partners. Although Samsung is leading the charge to introduce an Android XR headset, companies like Sony, Lynx, and XREAL are also eyeing the new OS for future devices.
Earlier this year, Meta revealed its intention to open up its Quest’s Horizon OS to third-party developers. However, the emergence of Android XR offers headset manufacturers another viable option. Google has confirmed that Sony, Lynx, and XREAL are already on board with Android XR.
Sony seems to be aiming its SRH-S1 mixed reality headset, which is geared toward enterprise users, as the first target for Android XR. When we had a chance to test the headset earlier in the year, Sony remained secretive about developing its own platform and how users would access content. Android XR seems to be a strategic fit for Sony, especially considering the challenges of creating a new XR operating system and platform from scratch.
However, for Sony’s PSVR headsets, both current and upcoming ones are likely to stay linked exclusively to the PlayStation OS instead of switching to Android XR.
Over at Lynx, the development of their R-1 MR headset has faced several hurdles, mainly stemming from establishing a comprehensive software stack for XR headsets. According to Stan Larroque, the founder of Lynx, the R-1 won’t be incorporating Android XR, but future models from the company will. This shift could alleviate the burden of software development costs and allow Lynx access to a broader ecosystem of apps and content.
Looking at XREAL, this company specializes in AR glasses designed to offer a large, floating screen that showcases content from other devices. It’s still uncertain how Android XR will fit into XREAL’s strategy, though it’s likely to form the backbone of their future products.
Both Meta and Google have taken steps to accommodate third-party headsets on their XR operating systems, but they remain in control. As of now, neither Horizon OS nor Android XR are genuinely ‘open’ platforms, meaning only select partners get the green light to work with them. With two major XR operating systems now competing, there’s mounting pressure for one, if not both, to break the gates and become truly open, inviting a wider range of developers to join the fold.
