Google introduced Android XR, a new Android platform designed for next-generation devices. We're excited to announce our collaboration with Google to provide experimental platform support for Android XR. This includes dedicated documentation and optimizations aimed at helping you deliver smooth, high-performance experiences for both players and users. For in-depth details on the tools and features available for Android XR, check out our documentation.
Android XR’s build profile in Unity 6.1
Unity developers can start building for the upcoming device right now with our Public Experimental release using Unity 6. Our XR tools—such as hand and eye tracking, occlusion, foveated rendering, Composition Layers, and more—are crafted to help you fully utilize the unique advantages of Android XR, enabling you to get started quickly. You can either create new content or expand your reach by bringing existing apps and games to Android XR.
Porting your games and apps is especially simple if you're transitioning from platforms that support OpenXR standards. Don’t just take our word for it—studios like Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games have easily ported their Made with Unity creations to Android XR. As Andrew Eiche from Owlchemy Labs explains:
"This is as simple a port as you’re ever going to encounter. Plus, it won’t overwhelm your four-person studio—or your 400-person studio—to make it happen."
Job Simulator by Owlchemy Labs
In addition to porting, Unity lets you craft entirely new experiences for Android XR. For example, we're collaborating with 30 Ninjas and Google on an innovative immersive film app that blends AI and XR to transform the cinematic experience. We look forward to seeing it come to life!
Getting Started with Android XR: Six Key Steps
Step 1. Begin your project(s) in Unity 6 and access Android XR packages here.
Step 2. Use open standards like OpenXR and Vulkan.
Leverage OpenXR extensions to easily port your app and Vulkan as the rendering API to optimize the experience on Android XR.
Step 3. Watch the XR Unlocked technical sessions for insights on building for Android XR, or apply for hands-on experience.
During XR Unlocked, experts shared valuable advice on building and porting to Android XR. Look out for session recordings as Google uploads them.
Want to delve deeper? Apply to participate in an Android XR Developer Bootcamp, where you'll gain hands-on experience developing and testing your apps and games. Platform experts will guide you throughout the process.
Step 4. Discover what you can build for Android XR with Unity.
- Fully immersive apps: Create experiences where users can immerse themselves in realistic and engaging environments.
- Optimized apps: Enhance your existing Android mobile apps by incorporating XR elements.
For more details, visit developers.android.com/xr.
Step 5. Stay informed about Android XR milestones via Unity Discussions.
We'll announce every technical milestone, like today's update, under the Android XR tag. Bookmark this tag to stay updated.
Step 6. Familiarize yourself with Unity’s XR tools and resources.
These tools help you add interactions, graphics, passthrough, and more. The XR Interaction Toolkit simplifies tasks like grabbing objects, interacting with 3D UIs, providing haptic feedback, and supporting multiple platforms and hardware. AR Foundation offers essential tools for handling AR functionalities, minimizing the need to rewrite code when porting apps and games to Android XR.
Image Reference: https://unity.com/
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