Android XR Is Here: Bringing AI, Openness, and Immersive Tech to Everyone

On this episode of Tech Brewed, Greg Doig takes us straight to the heart of CES 2026, where Google made headlines by transforming the Las Vegas Sphere into a portal for its new Android XR platform. Imagine a world where your apps and data seamlessly follow you, no matter which virtual goggles or smart glasses you put on. This episode dives into Google's vision of an open, AI-driven XR ecosystem, powered by Gemini—an intelligent assistant that goes way beyond voice commands, actually seeing and interacting with your world in real time. From spatial YouTube and immersive Maps to sleek, AI-powered spectacles, Greg Doig unpacks how Google is redefining the future of the internet—taking us off the flat screen and into a truly 3D, interconnected experience. Tune in to discover how Android XR might soon become the open gateway to your digital life.

SocialBee All In One Social Tool
Create scroll-stopping feeds from one social media management platform.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Transcript

0:00

The headline read, google turns the Vegas Sphere into an Android Portal. Welcome back, tech enthusiasts. I'm your host, Greg Doig. Google didn't just show up to CES 2026. They took over the Las Vegas sphere. They used that massive screen to show the Android bot literally breaking through the surface into 3D space. It was a giant glowing signal. That Android XR platform is officially here. So what is Android xr? Think of it as the Android for your face. Instead of a closed system, Google is building an open ecosystem. This means multiple companies like Samsung and their new Galaxy XR headset can use the same software. So your apps and data follow you regardless of which goggles or glasses you're wearing. And the secret sauce is Gemini. What makes this different from the VR we've seen before is the AI integration. Gemini is baked right into the operating system. It's not just a voice assistant. It actually sees what you see. It can help you solve a puzzle in a game, translate a menu in real time, or organize your virtual desktop just by looking at things. And Google is bringing its heavy hitters to the 3D world. We're talking spatial versions of YouTube, Google Maps and Photos. Imagine watching your favorite creator in a virtual theater or walking through a 3D immersive view of a city while you're sitting on your couch. It's not just clunky headsets. Google teased a range of devices from the high end Samsung Galaxy XR to sleek AI powered smart glasses that look like regular frames from brands like Warby Parker. The bottom line? Google is betting that the future of the Internet isn't on a flat screen. It's all around us, powered by AI and built on an open platform that anyone can join. And as always, thank you for listening and come back soon for more tech news and tech tips.