Later this year, the highly anticipated Android XR operating system will make its debut, with the first device to feature it being Samsung’s mixed reality headset, known as Project Moohan. Following this launch, Google has partnered with the AR glasses innovator XREAL to unveil a second device, named Project Aura. This announcement was made during the recent I/O developer event hosted by Google, highlighting the collaboration between XREAL, Google, and chip-maker Qualcomm.
Project Aura is characterized as an optical see-through (OST) device that allows users to access their favorite Android applications, including those specifically designed for XR experiences. Although details about the device remain limited, XREAL has confirmed that it was developed in close partnership with Google and Qualcomm. Developers can expect to receive access to Project Aura shortly after the launch of Project Moohan, which is set for later this year.
While XREAL has yet to disclose specific technical specifications for Project Aura, the company has a solid history of employing micro-OLED technology combined with birdbath optics. This approach contrasts with the more costly waveguide optics utilized in devices such as the Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap One, and Meta’s Orion AR glasses prototype. Birdbath optics utilize a curved mirror system that delivers brighter images with a higher field of view (FOV) while also being more cost-effective. However, this method typically results in bulkier designs.
On the contrary, waveguides are often thinner and more expensive to produce, providing a more wearable form factor with enhanced transparency. Despite typically yielding a lower FOV, innovative prototypes like Meta Orion are challenging this norm.
Similar to the Android XR glasses showcased at Google I/O, which are being developed by eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, Project Aura is expected to integrate built-in Gemini AI. This advanced AI capability will enable functionalities such as real-time translation, AI-driven assistant interactions, web searches, object recognition, and the display of contextual information.
Selecting XREAL as the next hardware partner for Android XR is a strategic move for Google. Established in 2017, XREAL (formerly known as Nreal) has successfully developed multiple generations of AR glasses, including their proprietary Android launcher, Nebula, which is designed to facilitate native AR experiences on Android devices. Similar to XREAL's previous offerings, Project Aura is intended to be a tethered device rather than a standalone unit.
At this stage, it remains unclear what type of external device will be necessary for Project Aura to run Android XR. Potential options include a standard smartphone or a dedicated 'puck' device, such as the XREAL Beam. As more information becomes available, enthusiasts and developers alike are eager to explore the possibilities that Project Aura will bring to the augmented reality landscape.
