MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.—The first standalone virtual reality headsets based on Google's Daydream design go on sale later this year, Google announced at its I/O developers conference here on Wednesday.
The new headsets, from HTC and Lenovo, will come with the built-in positional tracking that smartphone-based models currently lack, and Google promised simplicity: just pick them up and put them on.
Qualcomm and Intel have been working on their own reference designs for standalone headsets. Intel teased its Project Alloy set last year, and Qualcomm showed off a model based on the Snapdragon 835 processor at CES in January. The Snapdragon 835 platform apparently impressed Google, and the standalone Daydream headsets will feature Qualcomm processors alongside Google's own tracking technology, which is also found in the Tango augmented reality smartphone platform, first seen on the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro.
In the race to broaden virtual reality's appeal beyond hardcore video gamers, it is standalone designs that recently emerged as frontrunners, because they can deliver immersive VR experiences complete with motion tracking without being attached to a high-end gaming PC or laptop.
Google's current VR headset, the $79 Daydream View, is one of several affordable sets on the market that rely on smartphones to function. It went on sale last fall, and competes against the second-generation Samsung Gear VR, a collaboration between the Korean tech giant and Facebook-owned Oculus.
Both headsets require special apps and a narrow range of compatible smartphones to function, however, limiting their appeal among the everyday users their makers keenly want to attract. The Daydream and Gear VR also can't track their wearers' positions relative to the room in which they're standing, a key requirement for immersive VR games and other experiences.
Related
- Hands On: Acer's Windows 10 Mixed Reality HeadsetHands On: Acer's Windows 10 Mixed Reality Headset
Their alternatives are expensive headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, which cost several hundred dollars and require both external tracking sensors and a cable connection to a PC with a powerful dedicated graphics card. A standalone set like the Daydream reference design announced today combines the best of both worlds: untethered from a computer but with all the tracking and other sensors required to run the most immersive apps.
Oculus is working on a standalone headset, too. Its Santa Cruz prototype made a brief debut last fall, but appears to be far from ready to hit store shelves and online shopping carts.
If you prefer smartphone-based AR, Google said Lenovo's next flagship smartphone, expected later this year, will support the Daydream platform. The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ will also get Daydream support this summer.
You won't need an Android phone to use these Daydream VR headsets from HTC Vive and Lenovo.
We'll hear about the Google Assistant, Android O, Daydream VR and much more at Google I/O this year.
The Amazon Echo Silver is 'super loud and responds to any name even remotely close to Alexa.'
Relax Google Tips Standalone Daydream VR Headsets With Tracking stories
iPhone users can now say 'OK, Google' to get access to an expanded Assistant feature set. Meanwhile, Google Home gets voice calls and more.
Thousands of software and hardware developers will descend on the Googleplex to hear about the company's latest products. Here's what they might be.
Google wants automakers to install a full copy of the Android OS—not just Android Auto—in their cars to control windows, air conditioning, and more.
Waymo is not playing around: as the New York Times first reported, Waymo is teaming up with Uber's chief rival, Lyft, on autonomous vehicle technology.
Google is working with chip makers to create code that doesn't need to be updated for each Android OS release.
Enter the world of Star Trek in virtual reality and thanks to Watson have believable in-game speech experiences with Sterfleet crew members.
Code-named 'Armadillo,' the new UI is available on Github; install it as an Android app to catch a glimpse of Google's mysterious next-gen OS.
Easier and more intuitive offline reading options as well as performance improvements, bug fixes, and download management in the latest version of Chrome.
Oculus' VP of Content Jason Rubin said the company is shifting its focus 'away from internal content creation to support more external production.'
The 'highly sophisticated' phishing campaign appears to have hit a number of journalists, along with individuals from other industries.
Now, instead of having to rely solely on your spidey senses, Gmail tell you when something's awry.
These new revelations follow the arrest of a Lithuanian man named Evaldas Rimasauskas, who is charged with orchestrating the scam.
And in case you'd rather daydream about seeing the hit musical Hamilton instead of cooking dinner, Google can help you out with that, too.
Aimed at professional filmmakers, the cameras allow audience members to move around within a 360-degree scene, instead of being stuck in the camera's original position.
Lift a heavy box, push a button, turn a knob, and feel the impact of a projectile in VR thanks to a muscle stimulator mounted on your back.
Popular disc-playing software can now take you to the next level of video consumption, with 360-degree VR, Ultra HD Blu-ray, and updated HDR10.
Advertisers will only pay HTC when a user looks at an advert in a virtual reality environment.
Nissan's best-selling SUV just happens to share a name with the iconic Rogue One movie, and the company is doing everything it can to milk it.
The co-founder of virtual reality startup Oculus was embroiled in controversy last year for secretly bankrolling a group that created anti-Hillary Clinton memes.
Up to 84 cameras will capture each game from the Sweet 16 until the championship in virtual reality. But unlike last year, this year you have to pay up.
Qualcomm on Wednesday filed suit against Apple device manufacturers Foxconn, Pegatron, Wistron, and Compal Electronics for refusing to pay their licensing fees.
You find your true calling by explore opportunities for happiness and growth.
We pit two top marketing automation tools against one another to determine who deserves to be named best-in-class.
Drone pilots in China will have to register their machines as of June 1st.
Qualcomm says that this is the only way to get paid its royalties.
Samsung's DeX blends the best parts of phones and PCs, but you probably don't need it.
Forget about commencement speeches -- the Microsoft co-founder turned to Twitter to share some great advice.
The thin and lightweight XPS 13 is perfect for commuters and frequent flyers.
Moog has a new synth for Moogfest this year: the Subsequent 37 CV.
The very affordable Fire HD 8 and Fire 7 get updated specs but keep the low price tags.