When we first talked about Google Daydream, we mentioned the existence of a “reference model” that had little chance of reaching the market through the company itself, but it’s evident there was a change in Mountain View, and during yesterday’s event, we discovered Google Daydream View, a device based on the Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR concept (which means it needs a smartphone), with a dedicated controller, and a quite reasonable price.
It was inevitable, to tell the truth. After its official presentation in May, Google had to expand the available information about its new virtual reality standard, Daydream. Besides software, potential consumers expressed a lot of interest in the hardware, especially after learning about Google’s “reference model” for a virtual reality headset. Would Mountain View bring that headset to market? At first the answer seemed to be no... but now it’s yes. After all, its brand new Pixel smartphone (which will have its own article in a couple of hours) requires a companion for adventure, and the virtual reality headset is shaping up as the most logical option.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/rLLAA4ENIP4Design and Controller
Unlike its direct competitors, the Daydream View has a simple design, with a plastic shell that protects all internal components, covered by thick external fabric available in three colors: snow white, crimson red, and slate gray (which will be the first available). On the technical side, there isn't much to say. Google highlighted that the Daydream View system offers auto-alignment functions, but everything seems to indicate that the heavy work will fall on the shoulders of the smartphone. Of course, offloading the entire battalion of sensors and processing power to the mobile device has its advantages, starting with lower latency. Another story is the small controller that comes with the Daydream View. The specialized press was quick to label it a “virtual reality Wiimote”, very similar to a wand. And speaking of wands... Google dropped a bombshell by announcing a new game of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” on Daydream View, which will allow the legion of Potterheads to use the controller to cast spells. The company only revealed a couple of minutes about the game, but it's on its way.
Compatibility and Price
If we follow the information shared in the official video, the Daydream View headset will work with both Pixel smartphone models, and other mobile devices that have Daydream certification. Therefore, the headset also represents a “technological barrier”, and Nexus devices would be left out of the party. Another aspect to highlight is that Google will launch optimized versions of its main services, starting with Play Store, YouTube, Street View, Movies, and Google Photos. About fifty partners will publish compatible apps with Daydream before the end of the year, which brings us to the headset's debut: although there is no exact date, Daydream View will go on sale in November, with a price of $79. One more thing: those who decide to pre-order the Pixel in the enabled regions get the headset as a gift.
