Google Daydream View

Google Daydream View VR headset

ImageTagInstance gallery-6ea08a84-5d6a-4fd1-804f-2e5e0172344f IntroductionEver since humanity first developed the moving picture, we've been trying to create more and more immersive experiences. Sound and color sure helped a lot, but for all the advancements that have come since, we've been stuck in this rut where it still feels like we're passively staring at a screen, rather than losing ourselves in new worlds. For the past few decades, computer science, hardware, and media experts have been working to take us to the next level, teasing the allure of virtual reality. /124260794/.2_6924.3_phonearena.com_tier1 Early efforts made for nice demos, but they were expensive, impractical, and worst of all, failed to make good on the “reality” part of VR – the tech just wasn't there. But with the rise of smartphones, the perfect storm of high-powered, portable computers, low-latency motion sensors, and high-density, high-res displays has finally combined to make decent-quality VR accessible to...

Google Daydream View (2017) Preview

The latest Google Daydream View headset looks like the most comfortable way to experiment with virtual reality right now. The new Google Daydream View headset ($99) is more comfortable and durable than last year's model, with a wider field of view, yet it fits all existing Daydream compatible phones. It looks like a great way to experiment with virtual reality, although Google's VR ecosystem still looks and feels like a beta version rather than like a broad, consumer rollout. The headset is available now, but Google cites a shipping delay of three to four weeks. We got to take a first look at it at Google's launch event. What's Changed Google introduced Daydream with Android 7.0 Nougat, and since then, it's appeared on most major Android-powered smartphones. Every Samsung Galaxy S8 and Note 8 can do Daydream, as can the LG V30, the new Pixel 2s, some Motorola phones, and even the ZTE Axon 7. The new Daydream View upgrades both security and comfort noticeably. You still drop your phone into the front and snap the rest of the headset around it. A new top strap makes it feel more secure when you're gy...

Hands-on: Google Daydream View (2017) review

We like the new Daydream View VR headset, but while it's nice to see Google making improvements on the original we're not convinced that the £30 price bump is warranted for slightly better lenses and an additional strap.

Google Daydream View Review

Google's Daydream View VR headset is a comfortable gateway to virtual worlds—there just aren't many to visit yet. Wasn't Google once a software company? Like its Pixel phones and Google Home speaker, the company's new Daydream View VR headset is beautifully designed, comfortable hardware. But just like Google Home ($79.00 at Google Store) , the software here is so woefully unfinished that it's almost hard to review the experience. Without software, the $79 Daydream View is hard to really lose yourself in. Yes, sometimes you may want to kick back for 10 minutes with a fun tech demo, but that's not really why you're here. You've strapped this VR headset to your face to dive into virtual worlds, and there are just too few right now. Design and Features The Daydream View, like Google Cardboard and the Samsung Gear VR ($54.99 at Amazon) , is basically a phone holder. It's a headset made of light gray, dark gray, or red jersey material, with a flap that you drop your phone into and a single strap that goes behind your head. It's currently only compatible with Google's Pixel ($199.99 at Amazon) an...

Google Daydream View review: The easiest-to-use VR headset yet is affordable but imperfect

The Daydream View is the simplest, most affordable way to turn a phone into an immersive VR headset. Cardboard is cheap. Gear VR only works with Samsung phones. The pricy Oculus Rift ($750 at Amazon) and HTC Vive ($2,379 at Amazon) require an expensive gaming PC and loads of setup, and the PlayStation VR ($390 at Amazon) needs a PS4.

Google Daydream View review

Daydream View isn’t supposed to give PSVR, Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive a run for their money. It’s an inexpensive headset that works with your phone to deliver VR experiences. Compromised ones, sure, but then it’s running off something that slips in your pocket, not a £1000+ gaming PC. With that in mind, Google has mostly managed to get everything right. The headset looks great, is extremely comfortable to wear, and serves up simple, easy-to-follow VR with its clever pairing system and bundled remote. Oculus and Vive won’t need to worry, but Samsung should be feeling nervous right about now. Gear VR is decent enough, but it’s tied to Samsung hardware - Daydream will be open to everyone, is more flexible thanks to that remote control, and costs less too. The headset has a few minor foibles, but if the Daydream content store can match that of Samsung's Oculus app store, Google has a clear winner on its hands.

Google Daydream View review

You'll need a Daydream VR compatible phone but the Daydream View VR headset is certainly an accomplished device. Its attractive style is complimented by a comfortable fit, although an over the top strap might be an oversight for more energetic tasks. The NFC and wireless experience is great and the simple yet effective motion controller is a real bonus. A no brainer if you have a compatible phone and want to try VR.

Google Daydream View review review

Google Daydream View (2017) review: New looks and lenses, but no new tricks

Want to try VR but don't want to break the bank? Look no further. With the new Daydream View, you get a comfortable fit, sleek-looking headset, and access to all the immersive Daydream VR apps in the Google Play Store. But you need a compatible Android phone, and you may get bored after a bit.