Google has just announced its own VR-ready phone, the Pixel—which is manufactured by HTC but is definitely a Google product—and to go along with it, the search giant also unveiled its first serious competitor to VR headsets like Facebook’s Oculus Rift, HTC’s Vive, and Samsung’s Gear VR. It’s called the Daydream View and it’s wireless, ergonomic, and will also let you become a wizard. Or at least role-play as a wizard from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Today’s first glimpse of the Daydream View, which comes via Polygon, shows that Google is very serious about taking on the competition in the VR space. Not only does the Daydream View have a palatable $79 price tag, it will also come free for those who pre-order the Pixel, and has a strong emphasis on ergonomics with the use of lightweight, breathable materials. Three color options will also be available, including snow, slate, and crimson.
The Daydream View will connect wirelessly to any compatible phones, and as you can see in the video above, the system comes with a nifty little remote to help “steer the action” (e.g. aim, draw, gesture) and act as a wand for the Fantastic Beasts VR game.
A bevy of other games, apps, and media will also be available on the Daydream View, including things like Star Chart (an educational astronomy game), the first-person shooter Gunjack 2, Google Street View, and of course, YouTube. Google also said that it has developed partnerships with companies like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO in order to make their content libraries available on the Daydream View as well.
Although there’s no word on an exact list of which phones are “Daydream-ready,” the Daydream View definitely makes the Pixel—which will be available in the U.S. via Verizon or as an unlocked version—a very appealing choice for a smartphone. Apple, who unveiled its iPhone 7 last month, should probably take note.
What do you think about Google’s Daydream View? Does this VR system make the Pixel an appealing alternative to the iPhone 7? Let us know in the comments below!
Images: Google
