Along with the new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, Google also took the opportunity to introduce a new virtual reality headset, the Daydream View, and it has a rather unique design -- its goggles are covered in fabric, which as explained by Clay Bavor, who heads VR projects at Google, is a direct result of working with clothing makers in designing the headset.
The Daydream View fits nicely above eye glasses and functions without any use of wires. It can even work with Google’s new smartphone offering -- users need only drop the Pixel handset, or any Daydream compatible device into the goggles in order to power the headset. Compared to other VR projects, Google’s Daydream seems to be more inclusive, especially with regards to the range of devices that can power its Daydream View VR headset.
In building the Daydream View headset, Bavor’s team were aiming for simplicity and user friendliness, and it appears that their efforts are paying off. The VR headset comes with a clickable touchpad at the top section, and inside are numerous sensors that respond to the user’s exact movements. When the headset is not in use, people can just store the controller in the same part of the headset that holds a smartphone.
Some may consider the new Daydream View VR headset as sort of a marked departure from the $15 Google Cardboard. Its price is certainly a good indicator of that, but at $79, it is cheaper than Samsung’s Gear VR, and even less pricey than those made by Oculus, HTC, or Valve. Launching in November, the Daydream View VR headset will come in slate (a shade of gray), with crimson and snow color options coming in the holiday season.
With regards to software, Google’s other brands (Google Play Movies, Google Photos, Street View, and YouTube) will be made available on the Daydream View. Apart from also landing Netflix, HBO, and Hulu, as well as the Star Chart astronomy mobile app, Google has also inked a deal with Warner Brothers to bring JK Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them to the headset.
It more ways than one, the Daydream View VR headset and Google’s Daydream platform complement each other perfectly. Both headset and platform are designed not only to push for innovation in the world of virtual reality, but also to provide a blueprint for other hardware makers in building their own virtual reality systems.
