Google’s interest in virtual reality (VR) is pretty well-known, what with the launch of the Google Cardboard headset and the Daydream platform. In fact last year it was rumored that Google could be throwing their hat into the ring with a dedicated VR headset similar to that of the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and the Sony PlayStation VR.
However after several months of rumors, it was then suggested that Google might have given up their plans, or did they? According to an exclusive report from Variety, they claim to have heard from multiple sources that the project isn’t quite as dead as we had been previously led to think. In fact it seems that the project has been coming along rather nicely and that Google could very well unveil a dedicated VR headset at Google I/O 2017 which will be kicking off this week from the 17-19th of May.
What makes this headset different from Cardboard or the Daydream View is that it will not require the use of a smartphone to power it. This means that it should be able to reach a wide audience who might not necessarily own a smartphone that is Daydream ready or compatible with Cardboard.
However the report notes that it is unclear as to what software will be used to power this headset, whether it be Android or maybe something completely new of Google’s own making, but until we hear it from Google officially, take it with a grain of salt for now.
Filed in . Read more about Daydream, Google, Google I/o 2017, Google Io, Virtual Reality (VR) and Wearable Tech.