Google Is Making A VR Headset Similar To Gear VR, Reports Say
Google is getting very serious about virtual reality.
According to a report made by the Wall Street Journal, Google is reportedly working on a brand new kind of virtual reality (VR) headset that is largely a departure from the likes of Google Cardboard, inching closer to the likes of the Gear VR and other similar consumer VR headsets. However, the report also says that in addition to this info about Google’s VR developments, the tech giant is developing this new VR headset that could work on its own – with its own internal processing unit, and would not need any connections to a computer or a smartphone to perform.
Google’s rumored VR headset is said to “include a screen, high-powered processors and outward-facing cameras”, according to the WSJ sources. The report also states that the said VR headset is designed to be a mid-range product providing a “middle ground” experience, which basically means it won’t be competing with the likes of the Rift or HTC Vive, but instead it will offer the convenience of tether-free, wireless operation.
This would be in addition to Google’s rumored Gear VR competitor, which will be introduced alongside a new version of Android that makes VR a core part of the operating system. In a report made by the Financial Times, the publication described it as Nexus-style VR headset, one that will be powered by a version of Android specifically made for VR. This VR headset is said to become a reference point for other manufacturers as they move to adopt Android’s deeper focus on virtual reality. Both publications have suggested this product will debut at I/O 2016 later this year.
The stand-alone VR device has a less certain release timeframe. A WSJ source suggests it could arrive this year, with another saying it remains early in development and could be scrapped entirely. Movidius, a startup based in San Mateo, California, is rumored to be supplying technology that will help Google track a user’s head movements. In the aggressive move of Google in the VR niche, it faces fierce competition from other VR companies such as Oculus, Samsung, Sony, and HTC.
For more information on Google’s new VR headset, please visit the following websites:
http://www.wsj.com/articles/google-developing-stand-alone-virtual-reality-headset-1455218948
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/02/report-google-planning-a-standalone-vr-headset/
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/google-planning-vr-headset-that-doesnt-require-oth/1100-6434760/
