The Google I/O 2016 just concluded and one of the very exciting things Google announced is the Daydream VR headset. Let us look back really quickly at its predecessor: Google Cardboard. When this little cardboard box was unveiled, it was deemed a novelty and an introduction to the world of VR.
However, the Daydream VR is an evolution of Google's VR efforts by miles. The Verge noted that Clay Bavor, head of Google virtual reality, described the Cardboard as a Trojan horse. He said, “We knew that Cardboard would only go so far. … Because there's only so much you can do in terms of immersiveness and interactivity with—let's be serious—a piece of cardboard, and a phone that was really only meant to be a phone.”
Daydream VR is different. It wants its users to get sold to the idea of VR. And it plans on doing this certifying certain phones for use with Daydream. Engadget reported that Google is already deep in talks with smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Xiaomi, Alcatel and others to make sure their devices will work flawlessly with the Daydream VR.
The whole idea of Daydream VR sounds a lot like the Samsung-powered Gear VR. However, there are key differences. The Gear VR is limited to only a handful of Samsung phones so not many people really get access to it.
Another reason why the Daydream VR is expected to be better is because Samsung's own OS is built on Android. Basically, it seems Google wants to show the world how VR is done.
Reportedly, a new “VR Mode” found in Android N already includes VR-ready apps including Play Store and Youtube. The VR Play Store will feature “worldshots,” 360-degree freeze frames that users can be immersed in. VR Youtube lets users use the remote, which is pebble-shaped, to pan around while using head-tracking for finer motion.
See the keynote during Google I/O 2016 on YouTube.
