It has long been rumored that Google might come out with its own standalone virtual reality headset. A standalone VR headset doesn’t require a smartphone to function. All of the components that it needs to function are integrated within the headset itself. At I/O 2017 today, Google confirmed that it’s working with HTC and Lenovo on standalone VR headsets.
These headsets will have support for a new tracking technology called WorldSense. It provides positional tracking which means that the headset will be capable of tracking the user’s precise movements in space. It does this without requiring any external sensors.
Google has worked with Qualcomm to create a standalone headset reference design that partners like HTC and Lenovo can use as a blueprint to build their own headsets on. Both manufacturers are working on similar devices which will be the first ones to come out later this year.
The company only shared a sketch of the standalone VR headset at I/O 2017 today. It appears to be accompanied by a controller similar to what we get with the Daydream View headset. No confirmed release date has been provided as yet by Google.
When the headsets do arrive, they will require no smartphone or PC to function. Everything needed to power a virtual reality experience will be integrated into the headset itself. More details about these headsets will be revealed in the coming months.
Filed in . Read more about Daydream, Google, Google I/o 2017, HTC, Lenovo and Virtual Reality (VR).