Google has unveiled its prototype AR glasses, Project Astra, allowing select beta testers to explore its augmented reality capabilities in real-world scenarios. This release is a key milestone in Google’s vision to integrate augmented reality (AR) with multimodal AI capabilities into consumer hardware. While the final product may be years away, these demos are designed to capture the interest of developers, consumers, and competitors alike.
The Project Astra glasses are powered by Google’s newly announced Android XR operating system. This cutting-edge OS provides developers with the tools to create innovative experiences for extended reality (XR) devices, such as AR glasses and headsets. Google aims to leverage this technology to build a robust XR ecosystem.
In addition to the glasses, Project Moohan, a Samsung-built XR headset, was also revealed. Set to hit the market next year, the headset will also run on Android XR, highlighting the collaboration between Google and Samsung in shaping the future of wearable tech.
The combination of Project Astra’s AR glasses and Android XR offers a glimpse into Google’s broader ambitions for the AR landscape. Developers now have the opportunity to explore this evolving technology, paving the way for innovative applications that could redefine how users interact with digital environments.
