-
The new Google Virtual Reality headset is a far cry from the toy-like Cardboard—but there are as of now, few compatible mobile phones
Oculus who pioneered VR headsets, arrogantly priced themselves out of the consumer market. In India it cost Rs 80,000 plus, that is, 100 times the cost of an indigenously-made model. Its first big competitor was Samsung Gear VR which dropped the price by a factor of 10 to around Rs 8200. Google made a cheeky entry into this arena with the Cardboard—essentially a DIY kit you could assemble for a few hundred rupees.
But sometime you can be too simple: Cardboard never made it outside the school project market. Now Google has reentered the market with a sensibly priced, reasonably equipped model: Daydream View. It is available in India together with a 5-button Bluetooth controller for Rs 6499.
It currently works with a limited number of Daydream-compatible phones—Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL, Moto Z and soon on Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ and Zenfone AR. Daydream-ready phones need HD displays, powerful mobile processors and high-fidelity sensors...and the matching software.
The headset is made with soft, fluffy fabric and is designed to fit over eye glasses if requited . The phone and headset have an auto-alignment system so that you don't have to mess with cables or connectors.
The controller is an interesting extension when you compare this to entry level VR headsets. You use it as you would a joystick or air mouse when playing games.
Your best bet for Daydream content, even if you do manage to get one of the compatible phones may be YouTube where you can watch entire libraries of videos. Additionally, you use Street View to see curated tours of over 150 of the world’s most amazing places like the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal, remembering of course, that India has not allowed Google to add StreetView to Indian maps.
The Google Dream View VR headset, is available in India today—but unless you happen to have a Pixel phone, there is precious little you can do with it today. In time it may turn out to be a good buy.
