Google Announces Daydream VR Headset

Google has done away with cardboard after unveiling their next generation mobile VR headset called Daydream View.

The cardboard version was very low end in terms of VR headsets but it did help to make VR mainstream and allowed for anyone with a decent smartphone to try out virtual reality, but it obviously didn’t compare to the likes of Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, but the Google Daydream is a huge step up from its cardboard predecessor.

The Daydream View is designed to work with compatible phones, first of which are the Pixel handsets which were also unveiled yesterday.

The Daydream View headset will be available to buy for £69 from November.

Google’s Daydream View

The smartphone based VR headset already has lots of major phone manufacturers signing up to make Daydream compatible smartphones which just means they have the right specs such as screen quality and motion sensors to work on the device. The manufacturers that have signed up include Samsung, HTC, LG and Huawei to name a few.

The headset will also come with a motion controller, which the Cardboard predecessor and Samsung’s Gear VR don’t have. The controller has a clickable touchpad and contains a sensor that responds to your hand movements (which will be great for gaming).  

The device itself is pretty stylish and looks pretty comfortable. This is because Google have worked with clothing designers to design and build the VR headset which means it is made from soft materials and Google states that it is 30% lighter than equivalent headsets.

The device will come in a couple of colours including Slate, Snow and Crimson.

Google’s Daydream View will have lots of compatible apps to play on such as a Fantastic Beasts game which will launch in November, and non-gaming apps such as Netflix and YouTube as well as Google Street View for tours of famous landmarks.

Of course, it won’t compare to the Oculus Rift, as it is simply an add-on to your smartphone. However, for a mobile VR headset it is great value for the money.