A report indicates that Google is currently working on a new virtual reality headset, one that is set to rival Samsung’s Gear VR. This new piece of hardware from the internet giant will fix some of the problems that exist with the Cardboard VR headset and will almost certainly be built like a more tradition piece of electronics.
The Financial Times claims to have details about Google’s next VR push, which includes building the necessary software directly into Android. Its new hardware will apparently function in a manner similar to the Gear VR, although it will be designed to cater to a wider range of smartphones. At the moment, the Samsung Gear VR is the only smartphone powered VR headset; even if it only works with an extremely limited number of Samsung Galaxy devices.
Google has been demonstrating the power of virtual reality by distributing its Cardboard headset; which is a great entry level device but suffers from many shortcomings. Unlike other VR headsets, Cardboard does not allow the user to adjust the focal length of the lenses and holds the smartphone in place with a rubber band; and happens to be made of cardboard, which isn’t the most survivable of materials.
We won’t have to wait long to find out what Google is actually up to. The report from FT claims that the headset will be out later this year, and should be announced at Google I/O.
[Source: Financial Times, via Ars Technica]
