The Google Play Store appears to be preparing to add support for a new Android device type: XR headsets.
The Google Play Store has apps for smartphones, apps optimized for tablets and other large screens, and even apps that run on Wear OS smartwatches. Now, the people here are Android Authority has discovered hints that Google is working on a new category of new product types. It appears that this product type may be an augmented reality (XR) headset.
XR is an umbrella term that covers VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality), as well as mixed reality headsets. Google and Samsung are both interested in XR hardware, so it’s no surprise that Google is looking to add that device type to the Play Store so you can get apps designed for it. That’s it.
Tips about new product types in the Play Store were discovered in app version 43.3.32-31. There’s a new icon that may indicate an XR headset, as well as a text string that explicitly mentions “XR headset.”
There is currently no other indication as to what this is, but it seems most likely to be a Google Store category. It could be time for the next generation of Android-powered mixed reality headsets.
Mixed reality headsets are not very popular at the moment and are still niche, but their popularity will only increase as more companies come on board to offer this type of device. That’s why I think it makes perfect sense for Google to add another category of apps designed for these devices.
This makes it easier to find apps for your VR or AR headset. This would also give legitimacy and recognition to XR headsets as a valid type of device today. Therefore, I like the fact that Google is working on this category and I hope it will be officially released on the Play Store soon.
