android xr

Samsung Galaxy XR is the first Android XR headset, now on sale for $1,800

android xr, extended reality, Google, samsung, Tech, virtual reality / Mike M. / October 22, 2025

Android XR is Google’s most ambitious take on Android as a virtual environment. The company calls it an “infinite screen” that lets you organize floating apps to create a custom workspace. The software includes 3D versions of popular Google apps like Google Maps, Google Photos, and YouTube, along with streaming apps, games, and custom XR experiences from the likes of Calm and Adobe.

Google says that its support of open standards for immersive experiences means more content is coming. However, more than anything else, Android XR is a vehicle for Gemini. The Gemini Live feature from phones is available in Android XR, and it’s more aware of your surroundings thanks to all the cameras and orientation sensors in Galaxy XR. For example, you can ask Gemini questions about what’s on the screen—that includes app content or real objects that appear in passthrough video when you look around. Gemini can also help organize your floating windows

While more Android XR hardware is planned, Galaxy XR is the only way to experience it right now, and it’s not cheap. Samsung’s headset is available for purchase at $1,800. If hand gesture control isn’t enough, you’ll have to pay another $175 for wireless controllers (discounted from the $250 retail price). Galaxy XR also supports corrective lenses if you need them, but that’s another $99.

Buyers get a collection of freebies to help justify the price. It comes with a full year of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, and Google Play Pass. Collectively, that would usually cost $370. Owners can also get three months of YouTube TV for $3, and everyone with Galaxy XR will get access to the 2025–2026 season of NBA League Pass in the US.

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Google steps into “extended reality” once again with Android XR

Citing “years of investment in AI, AR, and VR,” Google is stepping into the augmented reality market once more with Android XR. It’s an operating system that Google says will power future headsets and glasses that “transform how you watch, work, and explore.”

The first version you’ll see is Project Moohan, a mixed-reality headset built by Samsung. It will be available for purchase next year, and not much more is known about it. Developers have access to the new XR version of Android now.

“We’ve been in this space since Google Glass, and we have not stopped,” said Juston Payne, director of product at Google for XR in Android XR’s launch video. Citing established projects like Google Lens, Live View for Maps, instant camera translation, and, of course, Google’s general-purpose Gemini AI, XR promises to offer such overlays in both dedicated headsets and casual glasses.

Android XR announcement video.

There are few additional details right now beyond a headset rendering, examples in Google’s video labeled as “visualization for concept purposes.” Google’s list of things that will likely be on board includes Gemini, Maps, Photos, Translate, Chrome, Circle to Search, and Messages. And existing Android apps, or at least those updated to do so, should make the jump, too.