Google is reportedly planning to release a more substantial virtual reality product akin to Samsung's Gear VR, later this year. The planned the VR product is presumed to be a successor to the Cardboard VR viewer released in 2014.
Google cardboard provides two plastic lenses and just holds the smart phone in the right position to function as a VR device. Meanwhile, Microsoft's HoloLens aims at augmented reality and adds 3D computer-generated scenes to people's view of the real world. Apple has also reportedly structured a secret research group focused on virtual and augmented reality.
The planned move will further depict the growing interest of the tech companies towards VR promising to transport goggle wearing users to other 3D worlds. Facebook is about to release its Oculus Rift headset. Meanwhile, Sony, Samsung and HTC have also invested heavily for research and development in the technology, reports CNet.
The smart phone based headset incorporating improved sensors and lenses will be housed in a solid plastic casing instead of a cardboard. It won't be wholly reliant on the equipment built into smart phone. But most of the processing power will be provided from the smart phone, according to a report published in The Verge.
Baking VR into Android will fight common VR problems like lag. The shortened delay won't make the users nauseous even after a prolonged session. Google hasn't yet confirmed whether Android or the built in hardware will support the VR, reports Engadget. The new VR product may be unveiled during the Google's annual developer conference, I/O, to be held in May. The hardware inside may be another Nexus-style product designed to set a target and lay the template for Google's hardware partners. However, the hardware will possibly be available in the market in September. Probable pricing and acceptance of the product under research and development, to the consumers is a matter of study. Samsung Gear VR headset is being sold at $99 excluding the price of the phone required to power it while Oculus Rift at $599. Thus the price has been assumed by the analysts something in between the two. Google partners have shipped over 5 million cardboard to the viewers. Teaming up with the New York Times, the tech giant has recently supplied over 1 million cardboards to the Times subscribers. Google has declined to comment over the predictions. However, its CEO Sundar Pichai has expressed continued interest in VR while addressing the earnings call during last week.
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