Google's Android XR SDK Developer Preview marks an important step for developing extended reality (XR) applications. It provides developers with a familiar set of tools to build immersive virtual and augmented reality apps using standard Android components like Jetpack, Material Design, and Compose. But what does this mean for developers, and how can we use it effectively? Let's take a closer look.

What the Android XR SDK Offers

XR development has historically been disjointed, requiring specialized engines or frameworks with inconsistent hardware support. Google's XR SDK simplifies this by integrating XR capabilities directly into the Android platform, connecting spatial apps with the existing Android ecosystem.

Here are the key features:

Android Tools for XR

The XR SDK brings XR development into the Android toolkit. Libraries like Jetpack for app structure, Compose for user interfaces, and Material Design for visual consistency now extend into XR applications.

This allows developers to use the same tools for 3D applications that they already use for mobile apps, making the transition to XR development smoother.

Panels and 3D Spatial Elements

The SDK introduces “panels”—floating 2D windows that appear in 3D space. Existing Android apps can run as panels, allowing developers to adapt their current applications for XR without starting from scratch.

Beyond panels, developers can incorporate 3D spatial elements, depth, and audio to create immersive XR experiences.

OpenXR Support

The SDK supports OpenXR, a standard for XR development that enables applications to run across multiple XR platforms. Whether you are building for VR headsets, AR glasses, or mixed-reality devices, OpenXR ensures broader compatibility for your projects.

Compatibility with Popular Frameworks

If you already work with Unity or WebXR, the XR SDK aligns with these frameworks, making it easier to integrate XR features into your existing projects.

Why It Matters for Developers

Traditionally, Android development and XR development have been very different. Mobile apps are 2D and focused on screens, while XR applications require 3D spatial design, depth, and positioning in a physical environment.

The Android XR SDK bridges this gap, enabling developers to:

  • Reuse Existing Apps: Android apps can be extended into XR environments. For example, a weather app could become a floating panel in a virtual workspace.
  • Maintain Consistency: The SDK allows developers to follow Android's design principles for XR interfaces. With Compose, you can build XR UIs similarly to how you create standard Android UIs.
  • Scale Across Platforms: OpenXR support allows you to target different XR devices without being tied to a single hardware provider.

This makes XR development more accessible, bringing it closer to standard Android workflows and tools.

How to Get Started

If you're ready to try the XR SDK, here's what to do:

  1. Set Up Your Tools

    • Use the latest version of Android Studio.
    • Update your development tools and test on OpenXR-supported devices or emulators.

  2. Build with Familiar Tools

    • Use Jetpack Compose to build spatial user interfaces.
    • Experiment with panels and simple 3D elements to get started.

  3. Extend to Unity or WebXR

    • If you already use Unity or WebXR, integrate Android XR SDK features into your projects for platform compatibility.

  4. Adapt Your Existing Apps

    • Look at your current Android apps and explore how they could work in XR using panels. This is a good entry point for building immersive experiences.

Looking Ahead

The Android XR SDK is more than just a new set of tools. It reflects Google's long-term vision for XR development. By integrating spatial technology into Android, Google is making it easier for developers to build immersive apps without dealing with fragmented frameworks or hardware limitations.

For developers, this is an opportunity to experiment and create new kinds of applications. Whether you're working on VR training tools, AR-based utilities, or hybrid workspaces, XR development is now part of the standard Android process.

Final Thoughts

The Android XR SDK isn't a complete solution yet, but it provides a solid foundation for XR development within Android. For developers, this means simplified workflows, better tools, and the ability to adapt existing apps to immersive environments.

If you want to be part of the next generation of applications, now is the time to explore the XR SDK.

For more details and resources, check out Google's official announcement: Introducing the Android XR SDK Developer Preview.