Google’s high profile event yesterday saw it reveal a plethora of different products the company has had in the works for quite a while now. The highlight was cast upon the Pixel smartphones the company revealed; with both phones being Google’s latest flagship devices. A great aspect about both devices is that they had the ability to run virtual reality apps natively thanks to the Daydream platform. Google used this to segue into the revelation of its Google Daydream View virtual reality headset that can be used with the Pixel smartphones for an immersive VR experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLLAA4ENIP4
Daydream was initially revealed at the Google I/O conference back in May, along with some concept sketches of what the Daydream View would become. Since then, the early drawings have upgraded to be an affordable and comfortable housing unit for your Daydream compatible smartphone. It’s 30% lighter compared to other VR headsets due to the fabric build and it’s also quite easy to use; drop your phone into it and you’re set to go. The Daydream View even has an auto-alignment system so you don’t have to worry about cables, connectors, or have to remove your smartphone’s case.
When you put an unlocked phone on the front panel, an NFC chip will tell it to launch Daydream, after which you can close the panel and start using the headset. When you latch it shut with the elastic loop on the top, a pair of rubber nubs on the face will help the phone detect its position and automatically centre the image.
A controller is also supplied with the headset, it pops out of the front cover where your phone would be. While it isn’t as sophisticated as the controllers supplied with the HTC Vice, it does follow your hand movement loosely and it can tell which direction it’s being pointed in. It has one home button and one menu button, plus a clickable trackpad on the end, volume buttons on one side.
Of course, you’ll need virtual reality experiences first of all and Google doesn’t seem to have any shortage of them. Along with the reveal of the Daydream View, Google also a new Harry Potter VR game to celebrate the upcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie. Many native Google apps already feature VR support, such as YouTube and Google Photos. A list of games available to play on the Google Daydream View includes Wonderglade, Gunjack 2, LEGO® BrickHeadz, Mekorama, Need for Speed, EarthShape, Danger Goat, Home Run Derby and Hungry Shark World.
The Google Daydream View headset will go on sale in November, however, preorders are already open but only in the US. Furthermore, only 4 other countries apart from the US can purchase the Daydream View: Canada, UK, Germany, Australia. It is likely that Google will expand the market if the headset receives a favourable response.
