New product category soon in the Google Play Store?

New product category soon in the Google Play Store?


Referreport

With the Play Store, Google operates the Android counterpart to Apple’s App Store. There is an almost inexhaustible selection of applications for all devices based on Google’s operating system. So far these have mainly been smartphones, tablets, smartwatches as well as smart TV devices and Chromebooks. Similar to Apple’s competition, applications for mixed reality headsets could also be found there in the future. At least that’s what the website reports androidauthority.com citing discoveries that the site’s operators made in the program code of the Play Store app.

Source code suggests apps for XR headsets

Accordingly, in the source code of version 43.3.32-31 there is a symbol that clearly shows a type of cyber glasses, as well as the very specific term XR headset. The latter stands for mixed reality headset and includes practically all types of computer glasses that mix virtual elements with the real environment. According to the report, the findings suggest that Google could be preparing its own product category for XR applications. However, there are currently no concrete clues as to when this will come or what it might look like. However, the inclusion of such applications in the Play Store seems quite obvious.

Is Google bringing its own cyber glasses?

At least since Apple started with the VisionPro has ventured into the market for XR glasses, other large corporations have repeatedly expressed interest in entering this business. Including Samsung. In addition, there are already many VR, AR and XR headsets based on the Android operating system. However, most of them use alternative solutions to obtain their software. An official positioning in the Play Store could stimulate the development of new products. In view of the evidence discovered, it would be obvious that Google itself will release corresponding hardware in the foreseeable future and is already preparing its app store for this step. The company only has its augmented reality department Early 2024 closed, but should together with Qualcomm and Samsung working on an XR heat set.

Source: German