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Google\u2019s vision for its Android XR ecosystem got a bit clearer this week<\/a> at Google I\/O 2025. Following the introduction of Samsung\u2019s VR-style \u201cProject Moohan\u201d headset<\/a> late last year, Xreal has now unveiled \u201cProject Aura,\u201d<\/strong><\/a> the second officially recognized Android XR device. This time, however, we\u2019re looking at a different approach: lightweight, see-through \u201ctethered\u201d augmented reality glasses.<\/p>\n Project Aura: A glimpse at tethered AR<\/p>\n Instead of a fully enclosed VR experience, Project Aura offers AR through glasses that let you see the real world with digital information overlaid. Xreal and Google confirmed these glasses pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR chipset, specifically optimized for spatial computing, and will deeply integrate Google\u2019s Gemini AI. They\u2019re aiming to deliver both optical see-through (OST) and virtual see-through (VST) \u201ccinematic experiences\u201d across a widened 70-degree field of view<\/strong> \u2013 a notable spec for AR glasses. Being \u201ctethered,\u201d Project Aura will likely connect to an Android smartphone to power its experiences, even with its own onboard processor.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Both companies are framing Project Aura as a \u201ccall to action\u201d for developers, encouraging them to envision new applications for this AR form factor, likely leveraging Android XR\u2019s capabilities for tasks like on-the-fly translation, contextual search, and heads-up navigation.<\/strong> They also promise that apps already being built for Android XR headsets should be easily portable to Aura\u2019s glasses-based system. We\u2019re expecting more concrete details about Project Aura at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) in June.<\/p>\n Google\u2019s renewed XR bet<\/p>\n We all know Google\u2019s had a few swings and misses in the XR\/VR space, but the company seems genuinely re-energized this time, believing that current technology (especially when combined with Gemini) is finally ready to unlock XR\u2019s real potential. Xreal, with a solid track record in AR glasses like their Air 2 Ultra, is a strong partner for this. Project Aura (AR glasses) and Project Moohan (VR headset) now represent the two initial device types spearheading this renewed effort, which also sees Google partnering with fashion eyewear brands like Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to bring Android XR to even more styles of glasses.<\/p>\n \nFeatured Videos<\/p>\n As exciting as Project Aura sounds, it\u2019s important to temper expectations regarding immediate availability. Polished consumer versions of either these Xreal glasses or Samsung\u2019s Moohan headset aren\u2019t likely to hit shelves until 2026 at the earliest. Still, the combined vision for Android XR \u2013 encompassing both immersive VR and everyday AR \u2013 is genuinely compelling and feels like it could be the next significant shift in computing.<\/p>\n Join Chrome Unboxed Plus<\/p>\n Introducing Chrome Unboxed Plus<\/strong> \u2013 our revamped membership community. Join today at just $2 \/ month to get access to our private Discord, exclusive giveaways, AMAs, an ad-free website, ad-free podcast experience and more.<\/p>\n Plus Monthly<\/p>\n $2\/mo. after 7-day free trial<\/p>\n Pay monthly to support our independent coverage and get access to exclusive benefits.<\/p>\n Plus Annual<\/p>\n $20\/yr. after 7-day free trial<\/p>\n Pay yearly to support our independent coverage and get access to exclusive benefits.<\/p>\n Our newsletters are also a great way to get connected. Subscribe here!<\/a><\/p>\n