Google Launches Galaxy XR Updates and Smart Glasses at Android Show
UPDATE: Google just unveiled exciting updates for the Samsung Galaxy XR during its Android Show on December 8, 2025, emphasizing immediate usability and future innovations in mixed reality. The event showcased critical features aimed at enhancing user experience, signaling a major pivot towards practical applications of XR technology.
The most notable upgrade is the new PC Connect feature, allowing Galaxy XR users to seamlessly link their headset to a Windows PC. This integration transforms the headset into a versatile workspace, merging Android applications with a desktop interface. Imagine multitasking with a document open on your PC while a YouTube window floats alongside—it’s a game changer for productivity within a virtual environment.
Another crucial development is the Travel Mode, designed specifically to combat the challenges of using VR headsets in transit. This feature stabilizes visuals for users, providing a smooth viewing experience on airplanes or moving vehicles, addressing a longstanding frustration for VR enthusiasts.
Google also introduced the Likeness beta feature, which scans users’ faces to create realistic digital avatars for video calls. This innovative approach enhances communication in VR by providing a more natural representation, moving beyond the limitations of traditional headset use.
Looking ahead, Google teased a groundbreaking software tool named autospatialization, set to launch in 2026. This ambitious project aims to automatically convert 2D content into 3D, enhancing the immersive experience of standard videos and games without requiring developers to make adjustments.
The show also highlighted hardware developments, including Project Aura, a pair of wired smart glasses from XREAL, featuring a 70-degree field of view. These glasses utilize an external compute puck to run applications, positioning them as an accessible entry point into augmented reality.
Google is collaborating with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to introduce two types of smart glasses by 2026. One will focus on audio and camera functions for interacting with the Gemini AI assistant, while the other will incorporate a built-in display for notifications and navigation.
As for the Galaxy XR itself, it retails for $1,799 in the US and boasts impressive specifications: powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, it features dual 4K Micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 3,552 x 3,840 pixels, a refresh rate of up to 90Hz, and a weight of 545 grams.
These announcements mark a significant shift from futuristic concepts to practical applications that users can adopt today. With powerful features rolling out immediately, the Galaxy XR is set to redefine mixed reality experiences.
What’s Next? Users can expect the new features, including PC Connect, Travel Mode, and Likeness, to be available starting today. As Google continues to innovate, the tech community will be watching closely for the rollout of Project Aura and the anticipated smart glasses in the coming years.
Stay tuned for further developments as Google shapes the future of XR technology!
