Google and Facebook are both diving “headfirst” into the VR headset market. Alphabet’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google recently unveiled Daydream, a new Android-based VR platform and headset design for “Daydream-ready” phones. The software platform looks similar to Facebook’s (NASDAQ:FB) Oculus Home, and several OEM partners will sell phones and headsets based on Google’s specifications.
Several major smartphone makers — including Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, LG, and HTC — have already signed up to release Daydream phones and headsets this fall. Daydream-ready phones and headsets will be cross compatible, so Samsung phone users can buy HTC headsets, and so forth. The Daydream headset will also be paired with a small, one-handed motion controller with a circular touchpad for in-game controls. Google also plans to sell its own Daydream headsets and remotes.
Daydream will run on Android N, which will include an optimized VR mode for headsets. This means that when a phone is plugged into a headset, menus and notifications will all be integrated in the VR environment. Android N’s native support for the Vulkan graphics API, which is used for high-end 3D games, will also likely deliver better game visuals without causing devices to overheat. That sounds like a promising leap forward from the crude Cardboard experience Google previously offered, but can it help the company close the widening VR gap with Facebook? Read More...
