We expected that Google will talk about virtual reality at the I/O 2016 developers conference and it most certainly did. Google today announced Daydream, an Android-backed virtual reality platform that covers both hardware and software. The company also showcased reference designs for VR headsets and motion controllers that will be based on the Daydream platform. It confirmed some of the partners that will be making Daydream compatible devices.
Daydream is a complete virtual reality platform that covers both hardware and software. It’s unlike the Google Cardboard viewer which worked with a variety of devices. Daydream is only going to be compatible with new phones that are built to a specific standard and the headsets and motion controllers will have to meet a certain standard as well to be Daydream certified.
Those who use Daydream compatible devices will be able to access a VR Mode in Android N. It’s going to feature an ecosystem which allows users to navigate in virtual reality, launch applications, watch content and play games when they have the headset on.
It has created VR-only versions of the Google Play Store, Play Movies, Google Photos, YouTube, and Street View to bring the bulk of its content over to VR. It’s going to partner with the likes of Netflix, HBO, Ubisoft and Electronic Arts to have their apps available in Daydream.
Eight hardware partners will be making Daydream-compatible devices initially, these include the likes of ASUS, ZTE, Samsung, HTC, LG, Xiaomi, Alcatel, and Huawei. Daydream-compatible phones from these OEMs are said to arrive by the fall this year.
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