The virtual reality revolution continues apace – and while the latest versions of the technology have generally been restricted to extremely powerful desktop PCs, the latest version of Android is making VR a core part of the smartphone experience with a technology called ‘Daydream VR’.
Recently, we had a sneak preview of Android Nougat– the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system, heading to Android smartphones later this month.
It’s one of the biggest updates for years, packed with new features like split-screen app windows and advanced power-saving modes – but nestled among the new features in Google’s official announcement was a mysterious feature called ‘Daydream’.
Google call it a “platform for high-quality mobile virtual reality” – but what exactly is it?
Chasing the VR dream
Virtual reality – until recently considered a dead-end relic of over-ambitious 90s technology – has experienced a fantastic resurgence lately.
Our own Agent Strevens recently explored the newest generation of VR headsets, and found that modern technology has finally caught up with the ambitious dreams of the VR pioneers. Finally, we have headsets and devices capable of conjuring up convincing, full-3D worlds – and placing the user directly within them.
But this remarkable technology comes with a drawback: it typically requires an immensely powerful, not to mention expensive, hardware setup.
The HTC Vive, for example, is probably the most impressive of the current crop of VR devices – and will set you back a cool £759 plus VAT and postage. Then, to actually make it work, you’ll need a top-of-the-range PC with tons of RAM and a high-end graphics card. All in all, the gear will probably set you back a couple of grand: a massive barrier to entry for all but the richest.
Enter Daydream. By taking advantage of the phone in your pocket, Google wants to create a VR experience that’s as accessible as anything else in the Play Store.
Making it mobile
In fact, Google's mobile VR experiments are actually already out there. Last year, the company launched an extremely low-budget, DIY VR headset called the Cardboard – and manufacturers like Samsung and Goji have also entered the market with their similar (but better-constructed) Gear VR and Universal VR headsets.
Our own Agent Cruickshank has already investigated the first generation of VR-enabled smartphone apps, and came away rather impressed. But this is the first time support for VR has been directly built in to a mobile OS – so what exactly does Daydream bring to the table?
Well, the big difference is for developers: the people who actually make apps. Coding for VR is a new and potentially difficult skill for them to learn. But because Daydream introduces a standard set of tools and technologies for developing VR apps, it should become much simpler to create them – potentially leading to a great increase in the number and variety of mobile VR apps.
Interestingly enough, although the technology is a fundamental part of the new version of Android, Google have also developed a VR ‘software development kit’ for iOS, too – making it just as easy for developers to build VR experiences for Apple hardware and ensuring cross-platform compatibility.
At the same time as empowering developers, Daydream will also open up the hardware field: by standardising the technology, it will be much easier for third parties to develop new headsets, controllers and other accessories for mobile VR.
Agent’s Verdict
So, that’s the technical basis for Daydream VR – and in this Agent’s opinion, it’s a fantastic development. The first generation of mobile VR apps and hardware is already remarkably impressive, and now there’s fantastic potential for the future.
Indeed, VR might actually be a better fit for mobile than it is for desktop PCs. While home computers typically have decently sized screens, even the largest mobile displays pale in comparison – and VR headsets offer an elegant (and portable) solution.
In other words, next time you’re checking out YouTube on a long train journey, you might not be restricted to a five-inch panel: instead, you could kick back with an entirely convincing cinema-sized screen, entirely contained within your VR goggles. The potential applications for games are perhaps even more exciting!
In recent months, we’ve already seen the early potential of mobile VR. And thanks to Daydream, we could be about to see developers pick up this incredible technology and deliver on that potential. Exactly how remains to be seen – but we can’t wait.
So, that’s the lowdown on Google’s latest VR technology. Are you looking forward to getting on board, or is it all a bit of a gimmick? Share your thoughts with our readers in the comments below!