Along with new features for Google Assistant, Google Home, and Android O, Google today made some virtual reality announcements at I/O.
Google says that the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ will be updated to support its Daydream VR platform this summer. This is big news for Daydream VR, because not only is the platform adding support for more phones, but these two phones are two of the biggest Android devices of the year.
This news is also notable because Samsung already has its own VR offering, the Gear VR, which the Galaxy S8 and S8+ currently support. Google has persuaded Samsung to add Daydream VR support to them, too, which is exciting news for GS8 and GS8+ owners.
Google today said that LG’s upcoming flagship, which will be launched later this will, will also support Daydream VR.
Google also revealed today that it’s working on standalone VR hardware that won’t require a phone or computer to use. Google is working with Qualcomm on a reference design, and it’s also teaming up with HTC and Lenovo to create standalone VR headsets for consumers. These standalone VR headsets will begin coming to market later in 2017.
New #Daydream standalone headsets from partners like @htcvive won't require a phone or PC. #io17 pic.twitter.com/7TpYPJGEdU
— Google (@Google) May 17, 2017