Katarzyna Petru
Google is starting to catch up. On Android XR — a new platform created for VR/AR goggles — the first 3D films are now available to purchase or rent in the Google TV app. 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 applications, 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. Modestly, but finally something has moved
As users report 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 has not officially announced anything yet — so it's unclear which countries have access and whether the formats include 4K HDR or just HD.
At launch, 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 totals 16 titles, although it is possible that there are more entries hidden in the catalog.
Google has a lot to catch up on. Apple is still far ahead
Although this is a very good sign, it must be said honestly: Google is just beginning the game, while Apple Vision Pro already has 309 3D films and a ready ecosystem for cinema in XR. Apple's advantage is huge — but not necessarily insurmountable.
Especially since the Samsung Galaxy XR, the first headset based on Android XR, features 4K+ micro-OLED, which is a screen that could potentially display 3D films at a quality comparable to the Vision Pro. Both Google and Apple also support the MV-HEVC codec, which is key 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 only just getting started
If Google quickly fills its library and adds clear communication about formats, availability, and quality, Android XR could realistically start to compete in the "home cinema in VR" category. The start is modest, but the first step has been taken — and it is only now that it paves the way for a real battle for XR users. another title
