Consumer technology manufacturers often jump head-to-head into a new market. First there were smartphones, then tablets. Then came smart watches. Search, software, and now hardware maker Google is poised to enter the newest category of consumer tech with this fall’s release of Google Daydream View.
With the release of Google Daydream View, the company hopes to enter the world of virtual reality headsets. This is the same market dominated by the Oculus Rift VR that Facebook has already announced. Other companies have also launched or are preparing to launch devices in this category. There’s the Samsung Galaxy Gear VR for PS4 and Sony’s upcoming PlayStation VR headset.
The company also announced Google Pixel smartphones and Google Home.
Google Daydream View Release Features
When a device manufacturer is late to a new category, it’s not enough to do the same as the others. What they launch must be better than the competition. What they post should be meaningful to their users.
Google Daydream View is designed to engage users with Google’s unique benefits. It does not master PC operating systems or video game consoles. However, it dominates smartphone operating systems. Daydream View is a dedicated headset and controller that allows users to turn their compatible smartphone into a virtual reality headset without making a big purchase. If that sounds familiar, it’s because the Galaxy Gear VR is using Samsung’s advantage as the largest Android smartphone maker.
https://youtu.be/rLLAA4ENIP4
The headset itself is very similar to other VR headsets. Users put this on their heads and stare long deep. It is held by outward-facing pads and a Velcro strap at the back. It will start in a gray color that Google calls Slate. Crimson (Red) and Snow (White) will be released sometime after the official launch of the headset. These are for the United Kingdom, United States and Australia only. The headset has a very fabric-laden body. Everything is less than 200 grams, which is not something other headphones in the category can claim.
Users open the front-facing cover to install their Daydream-compatible phones, such as the Pixel smartphones that Google will start selling unlocked and soon on Verizon. While wearing their phone, they can take the heavy wireless controller with sensors that supports pointing, aiming and waving. Comes with smartphone accessory.
Google proposes the idea that Daydream View will take the hassle out of using a smartphone as the basis for its virtual reality headset. Daydream View automatically opens the Daydream Android app with NFC.
Google Daydream View Release Date and Pre-Orders
Google launched Google Daydream View pre-orders on October 20. Best Buy, Verizon shoppers and Google Play store He’ll be able to get one starting November 10. The headset launches in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom. Google did not provide a plan to roll out the headset to countries other than these.
Google Daydream View Edition: Price
To ensure that Google Daydream View is more successful than other versions of mobile headsets, Google has kept the price of the headset within reasonable limits. It costs $79.99. For comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Gear VR costs $99. The Oculus, which must be paired with a compatible PC, costs $599.
View Google Daydream Broadcast Content
Another key to overcoming the advantage that other tech companies have in the VR space is content. Dozens of media companies and game developers have already committed to providing content for Oculus, Galaxy Gear VR and more.
Google manages content fee with a link Harry Potter. Daydream View users will be able to tour the wizarding world of the franchise through an exclusive experience. Gun Jack 2, Lego Breakheadz, Mekorama, Need for Speed, Earthscape, Danger Goat, Home Run Derby and Hungry Shark World is another set of games that will come to the headset via the Daydream software on Android. YouTube and StreetView apps are coming. New York Times and Wall Street Magazine plans virtual stories using the title and app.
Netflix and Hulu, the world’s toughest streaming video apps, have apps on the way.
Google Daydream View Version: Compatible Phones
Of course, the problem with relying on a smartphone to power the experience is the added cost of purchasing a compatible smartphone. Today, only Google Pixel smartphones have been confirmed to work with Daydream. They’ll hit the market in November for at least $649. If purchased with a payment plan, Pixels will start at $27.04 per month for a total of twenty-four months.
It’s hard to grasp how much of the Daydream View experience will be outside of Google’s hardware plans. Daydream is an Android feature, meaning anyone can create a device that supports this technology. The real question is whether smartphone manufacturers will support this feature in the next major smartphone releases, and what these devices will cost. It seems unlikely that Samsung, the world’s largest smartphone maker, will offer support for Daydream View once they already have their own solutions. LG also has its own VR headset.
