Katarzyna Petru
Google is starting to catch up. The first 3D films available for purchase or rental in the Google TV app have appeared on Android XR — a new platform designed for VR/AR goggles. This is an important step, as until now users of Samsung devices with Android XR only had access to Google Maps, YouTube, and a few VR apps, but… practically no truly “immersive” film content. And in a world where Apple Vision Pro already has a substantial 3D library, Android XR simply had nothing to compete with.
First 3D films from Google. Modest, but finally something has happened
According to users on Reddit, Google has just started to release the first 3D titles in the Google TV catalog on Android XR. Films can be purchased or rented, although Google hasn't officially announced anything yet — so it's unclear which countries have access and whether the formats include 4K HDR or just HD.
To start, the following are available in 3D:
Jurassic World: Rebirth
Star Trek Beyond
Hugo
Captain Underpants
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away
Dredd
Drive Angry
Jackass
My Bloody Valentine
Passengers
Star Trek Into Darkness
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
The Bad Guys 2
Wicked
That's a total of 16 titles, although it's possible that more entries are hidden in the catalog.
Google has a lot of catching up to do. Apple is still well ahead
While this is a very good sign, it must be said honestly: Google is just starting to play, while the Apple Vision Pro already has 309 3D films and a ready-made ecosystem for cinema in XR. Apple's advantage is enormous — but not necessarily unbridgeable.
Especially since the Samsung Galaxy XR, the first headset based on Android XR, has 4K+ micro-OLED, which is a screen that can potentially display 3D films in quality comparable to the Vision Pro. Both Google and Apple also support the MV-HEVC codec, which is crucial for modern 3D films. Meta — interestingly — still does not.
Unfortunately, one thing remains unchanged: 3D films purchased once on FandangoNow still do not work on either Android XR or visionOS. The catalogue must be built from scratch.
Google is just getting started
If Google quickly enhances its library and provides clear communication about formats, availability, and quality, Android XR could realistically begin to compete in the "home cinema in VR" category. The start is modest, but the first step has been taken — and it's only now that the path to a true battle for XR users is opening up. another title
