Google doesn’t sell headsets anymore — but its app store is getting ready for them

3 weeks ago 12

Are we astir to spot what’s up Google’s sleeve aft its mysterious AR / VR deals with companies similar Qualcomm and Samsung? Or mightiness it yet bring its Google Play Store to Meta’s Quest similar Meta erstwhile asked? Either way, Google seems to beryllium prepping its Play Store for headsets, according to details discovered successful app store codification by Android Authority.

Screenshots published by the outlet amusement a tiny graphic representing a headset successful the Play Store’s “Install connected much devices menu,” portion a spot of substance appearing connected an app listing elsewhere references an “XR headset” too:

Screenshot showing Google Play’s “Install connected much devices” menu, with a VR headset-looking icon.

That glyph either represents a headset oregon a Flintstones-style hunk of meat.

Screenshot: Android Authority

Screenshot of an app connected the Play Store with a portion of substance speechmaking “This XR headset isn’t compatible with this app.”

Screenshot: Android Authority

None of this means Google would needfully merchandise its ain headsets again — but contempt having heavily trimmed its AR/ VR division, the institution continues to marque moves successful the space. Those see the “micro XR” platform it’s gathering and wants to licence to headset makers, partnerships for caller Samsung mixed-reality astute glasses, and a mysterious Magic Leap deal. But determination is besides that unreleased Google AR glasses prototype that made a little cameo during the company’s I/O league earlier this year.

Or, it could beryllium that Google conscionable changed its caput astir putting the Play Store on Meta Quest headsets. Meta pressed Google for that precise happening earlier this year, months aft 1 of its execs revealed that Google had declined to fto Quest users download regular Android apps to the headset. Since then, Meta has announced it volition connection 2D apps aft each — but from its ain app store, not Google’s.

Or possibly — conscionable possibly — we’re astir to spot the instrumentality of Google Cardboard. Hey, a feline can dream, can’t he?

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