Google’s current focus at the moment outside of AI is their new Android XR platform, where they see an opportunity to jump at the hype of mixed reality headsets after seeing the success Meta has had with its Meta Quest products and partnership with Ray-Ban.

Samsung’s TM Roh has been hyping up Android XR in a recent interview, and made comments which suggest that Google is aware of the importance of building a solid software backing for its fledgling platform. If these words translate into action then Android XR could be the first real rival to Horizon OS.

Google has agreed to acquire part of HTC's extended-reality (XR) business for $250 million, expanding its push into virtual and augmented reality hardware The deal involves transferring some of the HTC VIVE engineering staff to Google and granting non-exclusive IP rights.