Recently the rumors of Google working on new virtual reality hardware have been making their rounds, but it was unclear as to whether Google was simply trying to create their own Cardboard headset, or if they were aiming for something like the Oculus Rift. Turns out that it is neither, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
If the reports are true, Google is said to be developing at least two different VR headsets. The first is said to be a standalone unit. This headset will be different from the likes of the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or the PlayStation VR in the sense that it will not rely on a computer, console, or a smartphone to power it.
This means that unlike the Oculus Rift that needs a compatible PC, Google’s VR headset will apparently be good to go right out of the box. In addition to this device, the report also claims that Google has a more advanced version of the Cardboard in the works. This unit will still require users to have a smartphone insert, but it will come with more chips and sensors that will allow it to be more than just a housing unit for your smartphone.
Take it with a grain of salt for now, but given the amount of interest shown in virtual reality at the moment, we can only imagine that Google’s interest in the technology is more than just a passing one.
Filed in . Read more about Google, Virtual Reality (VR) and Wearable Tech.