Katarzyna Petru
Google is starting to catch up. The first 3D movies available for purchase or rent in the Google TV app have appeared on Android XR — a new platform designed for VR/AR goggles. This is an important step because until now, users of Samsung devices with Android XR 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 sizable 3D library, Android XR simply had nothing to compete with.
First 3D Movies from Google. Modestly, but finally something is moving
As users report on Reddit, Google has just started releasing the first 3D titles in the Google TV catalog on Android XR. Movies can be purchased or rented, although Google has not officially announced anything yet — so it is unclear which countries have access and whether the formats include 4K HDR or only HD.
Available at launch in 3D are:
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 makes a total of 16 titles, although it is possible that more entries are hidden in the catalog.
Google has a lot of catching up to do. Apple is still far ahead
Although this is a very good signal, it must be said honestly: Google is just starting the game, while Apple Vision Pro already has 309 3D films and a ready ecosystem for cinema in XR. Apple's advantage is enormous—but it doesn't have to be insurmountable.
Especially since Samsung Galaxy XR, the first headset based on Android XR, has 4K+ micro-OLED, which is a display that can potentially show 3D films in quality comparable to 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 catalog needs to be built from scratch.
Google is just getting started
If Google quickly fills its library and adds clear communication about formats, availability, and quality, Android XR could realistically start competing in the "home theater in VR" category. The start is modest, but the first step has been taken — and this is only now opening the way for a true battle for XR users. another title
