Back in February, The Wall Street Journal reported that Google was working on a standalone VR headset that would work without the need of a smartphone however, according to Recode, it looks like the company has scrapped the plan. Don’t be too disappointed though, other reports are saying that the company has an even more interesting idea in mind.
According to Engadget, sources within the company say that Google is working on a dedicated headset that will blur “the line between virtual reality and augmented reality”. It says that its sources told them that Google has been actively assigning individuals to work on a high-end headset in recent months, and the Daydream project that announced back in Google I/O 2016 will eventually lead to the launch of this new hardware.
Google’s existing Cardboard VR headset
So what is it exactly? According to sources, the headset will be able to function without a smartphone or computer. It has a screen of its own, and will offer more augmented reality type of features rather than work like existing VR headsets, which are more focused on gaming.
Earlier this year, the WSJ reported that instead of introducing an improved version of the Google Cardboard, the internet giant was working on a VR headset to rival Oculus and HTC Vive instead. To be powered by chips designed by Movidius Inc, the headset could have a similar function to Google’s Project Tango, which allows mobile devices to sense their surroundings in 3D.
Sadly though, Google has declined to comment on these speculations, so there’s no release date in the near future. Engadget says that it “remains an important part of Google’s future plans”.
