Google are holding a press event later today where they will announce their new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. They will also announce some other devices, and one of those is the Google Daydream VR headset.
According to a recent report, the new Google Daydream VR headset will cost $79. This means that the device will be cheaper than Samsung’s Gear VR headset, which retails for $99.
Daydream VR Headset Features and Compatibility
The Daydream VR will use smartphones for the display, and it will work with the new Pixel and Pixel XL handsets. Although it is not clear as yet if it will also support other smartphones, it is expected that Google will eventually expand compatibility to other Android devices that meet specific hardware and software requirements. This could potentially include phones from manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Motorola, provided they adhere to the Daydream standards set by Google.
The device will also feature a handheld controller, which will apparently be similar to the Wiimote from the Nintendo Wii. This controller is expected to enhance the user experience by providing more interactive and immersive controls for VR applications and games. The controller will likely include motion sensors, a touchpad, and buttons to navigate through the VR environment seamlessly.
Manufacturing and Software Integration
The new Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are being made by HTC for Google, and HTC has apparently also made the new Daydream VR headset as well. HTC’s involvement in the production of the Daydream VR headset is significant, given their extensive experience in the VR market with their own HTC Vive headset. This collaboration suggests that the Daydream VR headset will benefit from HTC’s expertise in creating high-quality VR hardware.
Google showed off their new Daydream VR software at their Google IO conference earlier in the year. The Daydream platform is designed to provide a high-quality VR experience on mobile devices, with a focus on ease of use and accessibility. The software includes a VR mode for Android, which optimizes the performance and display of VR content, as well as a Daydream Home interface where users can access their VR apps and content.
The Daydream platform also supports a wide range of VR content, including games, educational experiences, and immersive videos. Google has partnered with various content creators and developers to ensure a robust library of VR experiences is available for Daydream users. This includes popular apps like YouTube VR, Google Photos VR, and Google Street View VR, as well as third-party apps and games.
The video above provides more details about the Daydream VR software and its capabilities. It showcases the user interface, some of the available content, and the overall user experience that Daydream aims to deliver.
The Google Daydream VR headset represents a significant step forward in making virtual reality more accessible and affordable for a wider audience. With its competitive pricing, high-quality hardware, and extensive content library, the Daydream VR headset is poised to be a strong contender in the mobile VR market. As Google continues to expand the Daydream ecosystem and improve its software, we can expect even more exciting developments in the world of mobile virtual reality.
Source 9 to 5 Google
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