If yesterday’s ‘made by google’ event is anything to go by, it means that Google is focusing on hardware more than ever. This is evident by the launch of the Pixel smartphones, Google Wifi and a host of other hardware products that they launched at yesterday’s ‘made by google’ event. One of these hardware components is the new Google Daydream VR headset.
The VR headset will go head to head with the other gazillion VR headsets out there including the Gear VR by Samsung and the Oculus Rift. Unlike both, it’s completely wireless, though. You just snap on your phone and the Headset communicates wirelessly with the phone. It even adjusts the vision automatically using an auto-alignment system via NFC.
Google has mentioned that the Headset was developed working with clothing material makers to get that soft fabric feel instead of the generic plastic stuff that every other headset has. The result of which is a soft textile-like finish for the headset complete with a few different colour options which include slate, snow and a rather different crimson. It’s also eyeglass friendly for those folks out there with prescription glasses.
The headset is controlled via a controller which has 2 buttons and a touchpad. Its supposed to be really sensitive according to Google. They even went on to say that we can draw or write with the controller. We’ll reserve our judgement on the same until we get one in-house for testing. The controller lets you interact with the VR world. At the event, they showcased how we can play games, interact with Google street-view etc using the headset and the controller. Daydream will launch with an exclusive Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Game. You can even view the whole YouTube gallery using the headset. Of course, 360-degree videos would look cooler, but even regular videos would look much cooler when it’s seen on the giant screen.
Google Daydream VR features
- Soft Fabric Build
- Eye glasses friendly
- Auto alignment system
- Intuitive controller with button and touchpad
- Multiple colours (Slate, Snow and Crimson)
- Wireless pairing via NFC
- Priced at $ 79 (around Rs 5200) with shipping starting in November 2016
The Daydream headset looks promising, to say the least. The ecosystem also needs to evolve to take advantage of the VR headsets capabilities. We think it will make great inroads into the VR market with it being relatively cheap at 79$. Yes, it’s going to cost you 79$ or around Rs 5200 at launch. We think it’s a fair price acknowledging all the technology that goes into it.