Robotics

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETPutting on Project Moohan, an upcoming XR headset developed by Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm, for the first time felt strangely familiar. From twisting the head-strap knob on the back to slipping the standalone battery pack into my pants pocket, my mind was transported back to February 2024, when I tried on the Apple Vision Pro on launch day. Also: The best smart glasses unveiled at I/O 2025 weren’t made by GoogleOnly this time, the headset was powered by Android XR, Google’s newest operating system built around Gemini, the same AI model that dominated the Google I/O headlines this week. The difference in software was immediately noticeable — from the home grid of Google apps like Photos, Maps, and YouTube (which VisionOS still lacks) to prompting for Gemini instead of Siri with a long press of the headset’s multifunctional key. Apple Vision Pro inspiredWhile my demo with Project Moohan lasted only about 10 minutes, it gave me a clear understanding of how it’s challenging Apple’s Vision Pro and how Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm plan to convince the masses that the future of spatial computing does, in fact, live in a bulkier space-helmet-like device. For starters, there’s no denying that the industrial designers of Project Moohan drew some inspiration from the Apple Vision Pro. I mentioned a few of the hardware similarities already, but the general aesthetic and hand feel of the XR headset would easily pass as one made in Cupertino — only it’s much better than the Vision Pro. More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETGoogle I/O 2025, like the few years before it, dove deep into AI and the various ways it’s being integrated across the Search giant’s products and services. Among the recipients is Android XR, Google’s extended reality operating system that underpins the emerging product category of headsets and smart glasses.Also: Here’s the Android XR headset that Google and Samsung are releasing in 2025Android XR was first unveiled last December, but the company mainly covered the general software experience for XR and VR headsets. In fact, Google showcased most of its spatial computing features on a headset it created with Samsung and Qualcomm, codenamed Project Moohan. We’re expecting to learn more about that project later this year.At I/O this week, Google shifted its focus toward Android XR glasses, everyday wearables that can leverage cameras, microphones, and speakers to interpret what you see and assist with Gemini. Many big tech companies, including Meta and Apple, share this same vision of wearables, but Google may have the upper hand. More

XREAL Project Aura XrealDuring Google I/O 2025, mixed reality company Xreal revealed a new pair of “see-through” XR glasses, codenamed Project Aura. Very little is known about this device; neither the company nor Google said much at the event. What we do know paints an interesting picture. Also: I tested the best AR and MR glasses: Here’s how the Meta Ray-Bans stack upOn the surface, Project Aura looks similar to the Xreal Air 2 Ultra More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe Google I/O keynote took place on Tuesday, and the company took the stage to unveil new features across all of its product offerings. Of course, this included AI upgrades to the Google Workspace suite of applications, which millions of users rely on every day to get their work done, including Google Docs, Meet, Slides, Gmail, and Vids. Also: Google’s popular AI tool gets its own Android app – how to use NotebookLM on your phoneThe features unveiled this year focused on practicality. They embed AI features into the Google apps you already use every day to speed up your daily workflow by performing tedious and time-consuming tasks, such as cleaning out your inbox. Gmail: Gemini can clean your inbox More

Artie Beaty/ZDNETGoogle Gemini already offers a host of useful capabilities. From generating text and creating images to live conversations, deep research, and analyzing files, Google’s AI has proven itself a strong contender in the AI field. Also: Everything announced at Google I/O 2025: Gemini, Search, Android XR, and moreAt Google I/O 2025 on Tuesday, the company revealed a slew of new and improved features now available with its AI assistant.1. New Google AI Pro and Ultra plansFirst up are two new Google AI subscriptions that offer more features but naturally come with their own price tags.The first plan is known as Google AI Pro, which is actually the same AI Premium plan that’s been around for a while just with a new name. Still priced at $20 per month, AI Pro offers the same AI features available with the free version of Gemini but adds higher rate limits and special features. AI Pro also includes the Gemini app formerly known as Gemini Advanced, along with products like NotebookLM and the new Flow AI video editor. Those two features will reach AI Pro subscribers in the US first and then expand to other countries. More

OnePlus Nord N30 Matthew Miller/ZDNETMidrange smartphones like the OnePlus Nord N30 More

HP/ZDNETWhether you’re looking to replace the family computer with a well-rounded laptop, upgrade your work-from-home setup, or need a gift for a graduating senior heading off to college in the fall, the HP Envy Laptop 17 More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Configurations for Lenovo’s LOQ Tower 17IRR9 start at $1,099. The computer is a great option for people looking for a well-performing, compact, and affordable computer. However, because of its small size, it has a limited number of available ports. more buying choices Lenovo’s Legion series is positioned as the company’s flagship gaming […] More