At its annual Google I/O developer conference this week, Google unveiled a new platform for virtual reality built on the next version of Android (Adroid N), known as Daydream. It will be a combination of hardware and software, with all phones using it – which are expected to be launched this autumn – built to a Google-approved standard.
The Daydream-approved phones will require specific components, such as sensors and displays. Google says that these will provide a smoother and lower-latency VR experience.
Google also announced a new feature for Android N called VR Mode. This includes a series of optimisations to improve the performance of apps, and is also an ecosystem that users will be able to navigate in VR. For example, a Daydream home screen will provide users with access to apps and content while using a VR headset.
Talking of headsets, Google said that it wants to sell a VR headset specifically for Daydream. It has also created a reference design for a controller that will enable interaction with VR content.
Samsung, HTC, LG, Xiaomi, Huawei, ZTE, Asus and Alcatel have all signed up as hardware partners for the Daydream project, and Ubisoft and EA have joined as major game developers.
