There’s been a lot of interest in virtual reality lately, with companies like Google, Samsung, and HTC, and today Google introduced its next big step in VR: Daydream.
Daydream is Google’s platform for high-quality VR that’s integrated with Android. Its made up of three main parts: smartphones, the headset and controller, and apps. With smartphones, Google has create a Daydream-ready smartphone spec list that phones must meet to be certified as ready for use with the Daydream platform. Devices from companies like Samsung, HTC, LG, Xiaomi, Huawei, ZTE, ASUS, and Alcatel are already in the works, with the first ones coming this fall.
Then there’s the headset and controller reference design. Google has crafted a design for a VR headset and controller that it’s sharing with others. The controller is fairly minimal, offering just a couple of buttons and a touchpad. Also included with the controller are orientation sensors that will better immerse you in VR content. Google says that the first headsets and controllers using its reference design will come this fall.
On the software side, Google has created a virtual reality interface for Android. It’s focused on performance, offering a latency that’s less than 20 milliseconds. There’s also a UI for notifications and alerts so that you don’t miss any info while you’re in VR.
When it comes to apps, Google has made a VR interface for Google Play so that you can install applications in virtual reality. There are already many companies on board with Google’s VR effort, with the likes of the Wall Street Journal, Netflix, IMAX, NBA, MLB, The New York Times, and more all pledging support for VR apps. There will also be games and apps from Google itself, including Google Play Movies, Street View, Google Photos, and a rebuilt YouTube app.
