[Special Edition] Spatial Computing Business Newsletter, Google I/O 2025

🌟 Project Updates & Device News

• Android XR ecosystem outlined by four verticals
  Google outlined its Android XR ecosystem through four main device categories:

  1. Video See-through Devices: This category includes devices like Project Moohan (Samsung's XR headset), similar to what is currently known as Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro.

  2. Optical See-through Headsets: This refers to devices like the "Orion" demo seen during Meta Connect.

  3. AR Glasses: Google showcased demos in this category, which is what they shared in collaboration with XREAL as Project Aura (more details below).

  4. AI Glasses: These are exemplified by the Ray-Ban Meta glasses (which, notably, were worn by approximately 1 in 30 attendees at Google I/O 😎). Google also announced its own AI glasses are coming soon (more details below).

• Project Moohan (Samsung XR Headset) to ship this year: Samsung's XR headset, Project Moohan, is confirmed for release this year. That said, there was surprisingly little detailed information about this device beyond a few mentions in the keynote regarding the Android XR ecosystem. Demos at Google I/O were quickly maxed out, indicating strong interest in this collaboration between Google and Samsung.

• Android AI Glasses partner with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker: Google is advancing its smart glasses initiative by partnering with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker for design. This approach, similar to Meta's collaboration with EssilorLuxica, aims to deliver stylish and functional AI-powered smart glasses. Google has committed $75 million to product development and commercialization with Warby Parker, with an additional $75 million tied to performance milestones. These partnerships are designed to bring attractive, Gemini-powered smart glasses to market, competing with existing offerings like Ray-Ban Metas.

• Project Aura: A new AR headset with XREAL: Google introduced Project Aura, an AR headset developed in partnership with XREAL. This project addresses the space between immersive headsets and lightweight smart glasses. Project Aura will use XREAL's expertise in 3D AR and is anticipated to feature a 70-degree field of view for an improved user experience. Further details, including pricing, are expected at AWE 2025 in June.

• Google Beam (formerly Project Starline) launching soon: Google's innovative XR-ish conferencing platform, previously named Project Starline, has been rebranded as Google Beam and is set to launch later this year with HP. This technology offers near-real-time translated conversations that capture tone, expressions, and accents. Google Beam is also being integrated into Google Meet, making spatial video communication more accessible. ​

⚙️ Operating System & Design Innovations

Android XR SDK Continues Development

While many Android updates were released before I/O, the event further emphasized Android XR. Google demonstrated how Android XR will enable a cohesive experience across a variety of devices.

Check out the Android XR SDK Developer Preview

Also of note:

Material 3 Expressive Design System

The new Material 3 Expressive design system was highlighted. This system is designed to provide more responsive experiences with enhanced performance across Google's operating systems, including Android XR.

🌎 Community & Industry Perspectives

Upcoming Events

Apple's WWDC, scheduled for June 9-13, will likely unveil the latest developments in visionOS and may offer further insights into their roadmap for AR/VR hardware and software integration across their ecosystem. More Info

A Collaborative Future

The XR landscape is rapidly expanding, with Android XR now a significant contributor alongside Meta Spatial SDK and visionOS.

The growth of community initiatives and events like Meridian Meetups further supports this expanding ecosystem check out the latest!

• Meridian Meetups launches in Nairobi - Check out the photos!

• Meridian Meetups Brooklyn launches this week during NYCxDesign Festival!

• Meridian Meetups Lagos launches this week!

Want Meridian Meetup in your city? Learn more here.

🫂 The Spatial Computing Business Newsletter

We're dedicated to keeping you informed about the dynamic world of spatial computing. Our newsletter provides a concise and scannable rundown of:

• Latest Spatial App Releases: Stay informed on new real-world applications for Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro, Android XR, and more, from leading brands and organizations.

• Mobile to Immersive Experiences: Discover how existing mobile experiences are extending into immersive spatial computing environments.

• Key Announcements: Get crucial updates on operating systems, hardware news, and industry trends shaping the future of XR.

We are always keen to hear from you!

Please share your own updates, feedback, or groundbreaking projects to be featured in future editions.