Fully Immersive Google Maps Experience In VR

Recently, Android XR integrated Google Maps' Immersive View, a feature that lets users explore places virtually in rich detail, helping them make better decisions about where to go. Many people love exploring with Google Maps, and with new technical possibilities, it has become the perfect choice to showcase the immersive features of the new Android XR.

To make Google Maps work well on Android XR, the system needs smooth movement, fast loading of large-scale aerial views, realistic 3D audio, and efficient indoor scenes powered by Gaussian Splatting. Unity's engine played a key role in making it possible: its powerful editor, tools, and large community of XR creators helped the team quickly prototype, test, and deliver new features.

The app provides a familiar 2D Google Maps experience and lets users seamlessly switch to a 3D Immersive View powered by Unity to fly over cities, explore streets in 360°, or step inside select places with detailed 3D interiors. This layered experience aims to help users better understand locations like scouting parking, exploring surroundings, or checking a restaurant's atmosphere.

It's designed for any Android XR user who uses Google Maps, with an initial focus on early adopters of Samsung's recently launched Galaxy XR device.

Unity's day-one support for Android XR enables you to quickly create new games and apps or easily port existing Unity projects to the Android XR platform. Along with Google Maps, several Unity-built experiences launched for Galaxy XR, including NFL Pro Era, Inside [JOB], Vacation Simulator, and Job Simulator.

Unity's Android XR support is available in Unity 6 and later versions, and is currently open to all developers. Learn more and join our 80 Level Talent platform and our new Discord server, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, TikTok, and Threads, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.