It looks like Web Giant Google is taking its next big step into the Virtual-Reality market. Google is developing a new headset that will work for Smart Phones. This new Google VR headset is set to release this year to compete with other VR headsets like the Occulus Rift and Playstation VR.
This new headset will be a successor to Google Cardboard, Google’s first attempt at cheap VR headset that was actually a surprise hit. Like Cardboard, users will use their own smartphones with the new Google VR headset. The new headset is said to be much more durable than cardboard and improve issues on latency, a problem where the image lags behind the user’s head movement causing nausea and dizziness. The new headset will be compatible with a wide range of Android devices, unlike one of its competitors Samsung’s Gear VR which only works with newer Samsung Galaxy phones.
One of the most appealing aspects of Cardboard was its open source design which allowed developers to produce and sell apps with the “Compatible with Google Cardboard” stamp for consumers. The new VR Headset promises to be even more compatible with different Android software so that users can use a wider variety of apps in VR.
When asked to comment, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai said that cardboard was “just the first step” in its entrance into the VR market. It looks like Google is trying to give customers and developers a cheaper option to Occulus and Samsung exclusive VR devices. With the focus on Android devices, the Google VR headset could be a great opportunity for smaller studios to take their first step into the future VR market.
It’s great to see Google not only take a chance on VR, but using it to create something for a wider market that either doesn’t have the money or interest for Virtual Reality. We are soon going to see a market full of different VR headsets and software, so it will be interesting to see what customers will really demand. Perhaps the Occulus or Playstation VR might be the big winners, or maybe Smart Phone VR viewers might be more preferred. Only time will tell, but it’s exciting to be able to witness the start of a whole new kind of entertainment.