Google Announces New Daydream View VR

Today, Google announced a slew of new features including their new Pixel phone (to replace the Nexus line), and Google’s new “Daydream View” VR system. The Daydream View is designed to deliver a new smartphone VR experience, and includes both a headset and wand controller. The new hardware specifically targets Android VR, and combines core Android OS changes, smartphone optimization, and designs intended to create a Gear VR-style system for Android phones.

The new Daydream View VR is Google’s next VR step after Google Cardboard, and will release this November for a retail price of $79.

Similar to both Google Cardboard and Gear VR, the Daydream View is an empty VR headset that you pair with your mobile device. To utilize the Daydream View, simply insert your phone into the headset. One key difference between the Daydream View and Gear VR is that the Daydream View doesn’t require anything to be plugged in.

Another difference is the material used for Google’s new Daydream View. Unlike the Google Cardboard (which used actual cardboard material), the Daydream View uses a cloth enclosure similar to the Oculus Rift. The use of cloth material enables the Daydream View to be lighter than an all-plastic enclosure. There will be three color options available for the Daydream View: slate, red, and white.

One downside to the Daydream View (similar to the Google Cardboard), is the need to “center” your device within the Daydream View. This is because the VR mode cuts the display into two halves for each eye, forcing users to carefully align the phone prior to closing the headset. However, the new 3-axis wand controller is an important addition and gives users a more interactive VR experience.

Finally, to complement the Daydream View, Google is launching a VR version of the Play Store including VR versions of movies, YouTube, Street View, and Photos. Google announced that over 50 partners will launch Daydream View apps by the end of 2016.

Google’s new Daydream View VR headset will release this November, and will retail for $79.

For more gaming news here at Indie Obscura, be sure to read about the new Outlast 2 playable demo on the PlayStation Store, Playtonic's announcement of Yooka-Laylee's upcoming boxed release, and how Pokemon GO continues to average 2 million in profit per day.  

Morgan Shaver

Writer

Morgan is a writer, indie game lover, and socially awkward coffee addict. Need something? Morgan can be reached at morgan.shaver@allgamers.com or if you like, you can say hello using GIFs on Twitter.