After announcing a reference design for Daydream VR headset and controller, Google has confirmed it would launch one of its own later this year.
Google was earlier rumored to launch a standalone VR headset at its I/O conference. Instead it launched a new virtual reality platform called the Daydream, which will be integrated within Android N operating system. Along with the platform Google also showed off a reference design for Daydream compatible VR headset and controller but said it was partnering with other manufacturers to make them. This led many to believe that the earlier rumors were false. But on the second day of I/O 2016, Google has officially announced that it too will be launching hardware based on the reference design later this year.
Google has also posted a video to detail how its concept controller works with the VR device. According to Google, the headset and controller work in tandem to deliver better VR experience to users.
The controller essentially allows you to perform gestures and interact with the virtual world. The mechanism is very reminiscent to Microsoft’s Kinect motion controllers that allowed you to interact games with gestures. The design of the Google controller looks highly similar to the Oculus Remote.
Right now Google hasn’t provided details on when the reference design will be ready. It seems Google will initially focus on the third party manufacturers for a wider adoption. For content, Google has already revealed its YouTube, Google Play Movies and other apps will be Daydream-ready. Google is also rolling out Google VR SDK for developers.
It may be recalled that Google had launched the Google Cardboard, an affordable VR device, for its Cardboard virtual reality platform about two years ago. Since then, Googke says over 5 million Cardboard devices have been shipped worldwide.
We can expect Google’s Daydream’s reference design to follow the same fundamentals and deliver affordable VR headset as well as the controller.
Besides Google, Facebook is also working on similar concept of an additional controller for the VR. A recent patent published revealed Facebook is working an arm-mounted controller for the VR based games. The controller will be able to track users’ arm and interact with the game. At the recently held F8 conference, Facebook also showcased toy-like touch controllers for its Oculus Rift virtual reality gears. The new device is likely to help users to naturally interact with the virtual reality.
In the meantime, check out Google’s video elaborating its controller for an interactive VR experience.
Source: bgr.in
Top Brands
