Google is finally ready to take mobile virtual reality into its own hands and revealed the greatly anticipated Daydream VR headset. Called the Daydream View, the headset stands out from other similar devices; largely due to its unusual fabric finishing.
The Daydream View makes comfort and easy of use its primary focus, with Google trying to make it as user friendly as possible. Instead of hard plastic, the headset is covered in microfibre and other clothing materials. This has also allowed Google to make the device 30-percent lighter than similar products.
As a side note, the Daydream View also fits over glasses to cater to the large number of people who would like the feature.
The ease of use also extends to the way the Daydream View interacts with Daydream ready phones. Simply slotting the phone into the slot sets it into VR mode, and the Daydream initiative means that the phones are already configured with the auto-alignment system to centre the image. Interestingly, the smartphone slot also doubles as a holder for the Daydream controller when the device is not in use.
Speaking of the controller, Google has designed a peripheral that resembles a TV remote. It has a clickable touchpad on the upper third of the controller, while two additional buttons are placed lower down. As expected, the Daydream controller has movement sensors to allow people to navigate around the VR environment. Google claims that its array of sensors is so sensitive that people will be able to draw with it; although there was no demo as to how accurate this movement really is.
No VR experience is complete without content, and Google has been working with its partners to bring games and apps to Daydream. Warner Bros has created an experiential app for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them where the user casts spells using the controller. Additionally, CCP is bringing Gunjack 2 to the platform. Overall, there are 50 partners bringing apps to the Daydream View at launch.
Google’s own suite of services like Google Play Movies, Google Photos, Street View, and Youtube to Daydream. This isn’t really all that surprising as the company has already developed VR versions of its services long before Daydream was announced.
From the sound of it, the Daydream View will only work with Daydream ready phones. At the moment, only the Google Pixel meets this criterion. Fortunately, it will only be launched after the phone goes on sale.
The Google Daydream View will be sold for $79 (about RM330) in November, with no word on which markets will receive it. The VR headset will be made available in three colours: slate, snow, and crimson.
