Back in October, when Google executives took the stage to announce the Pixel and Pixel XL, they took some time to talk about Daydream, the company's big focus on virtual reality. Accessing that platform requires a Pixel smartphone right now, but more Daydream-ready phones are on the way. That will mean many Android-based devices in the future will be able to enjoy new VR experiences anywhere the owner might want to enjoy them.
Of course, Google isn't the first to incorporate virtual reality into a new device. Google itself has had a presence in the VR space for awhile now, thanks to Cardboard, but Daydream is a major push in the right direction. It's Google jumping in, with both feet, into waters that are just starting to get ventured into in a real way from a variety of different companies, including Facebook, Microsoft, and many others.
And Google showcased some experiences that look genuinely fun, which is a good thing. Whether that's pretending you're a wizard in the licensed Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them title, or simply exploring far-off locations all around the globe right from the couch, there are plenty of things to do thanks to the Daydream platform.
Recently, I saw an ad for Google's Pixel where they strap on the Daydream View VR headset, and the person wearing it exclaims, "How is this possible?" as she navigates something in the digital space.
It's an effective ad in itself. You get to see the Pixel, you get to hear things about Assistant, and cloud storage, and, yes, VR. There are four people around this small table while they ride the train, and one person gets to try out the Daydream View headset. I already have a Pixel XL on the way, so the commercial doesn't need to sway me into buying one, but it definitely did get me asking a pretty straightforward question:
Am I ever going to bring that headset around with me?
I don't imagine it's going to be that big, and it's certainly possible that it will be perfectly-sized to be carried around for situations like the one displayed in the commercial. But, the commercial also shows how borderline ridiculous people can look while they're caught up in the VR experience, with their hand waving around, and their neck craning this way and that. Doing that at home is perfectly fine, even if there are family members around to see you doing it. But out in public? Is that something people are going to do?
I think I'm on the fence with it, honestly. My kids might not care, because they're kids, and if they can pretend to be a wizard, well, it's probably worth it. And I might actually be okay with it depending on the experience at hand. For instance, while waving my hand around in a game or something might not seem like a great idea, going to visit Japan, or some other landmark in a different country while I'm stuck here might not be too bad.
So I'm curious: Whether you've tried it with another company's phone and headset, like Samsung, or you plan on picking up the Pixel and the Daydream View VR headset, is having fun with virtual reality --and wearing that headset-- out in public something you're okay with? Would you carry that VR headset around with you? Or is this something that should be enjoyed just in the home? Let me know what you think.