Google is gearing up to expand the reach of its Play Store to include extended reality (XR) headsets, according to recent discoveries in the app store’s code. This move suggests that Google is preparing for a significant expansion into the XR market, potentially with its own hardware or through partnerships with other manufacturers.
Play Store Expands to XR
The latest version of the Play Store app includes a new icon depicting an XR headset and references to “XR headset” in the app listings. This indicates that Google is working on a dedicated section for XR apps, similar to the existing categories for smartphones, tablets, and wearables.
While Google has previously experimented with XR through initiatives like Cardboard and Daydream, these efforts were primarily focused on mobile VR experiences. The upcoming XR headset support signals a more serious commitment to the technology and a desire to compete with other major players in the market.
The timing of this development coincides with Google’s ongoing collaborations with Samsung and Qualcomm on a new XR headset. This joint effort aims to create a high-end XR device powered by Android and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. By integrating XR support into the Play Store, Google can ensure a robust ecosystem of apps and content for its upcoming headset.
While the specific details of Google’s XR plans remain unclear, the discovery of these code changes suggests that we may see a significant announcement in the near future. This could involve the launch of Google’s own XR headset, partnerships with other manufacturers, or simply an expansion of the Play Store to support existing XR devices.
Regardless of the exact path forward, Google’s move to embrace XR is a positive sign for the future of the technology. With the support of a major player like Google, XR has the potential to become a mainstream platform for gaming, entertainment, and productivity.
(Source)
Comments