We’re always excited to see new developments in mobile VR, as there is so much potential in our smartphones, both in terms of raw power and the fact that smartphone VR experiences don’t need wires to work. In fact, having a VR experience run directly on the viewing device removes a number of issues with existing VR technology. That’s why, we were quite excited when Google first unveiled the Google Daydream View Headset. However, as the device is finally out, we decided to step back and review whether or not the the Daydream is actually worth buying or not. Here’s what we found.
Daydream in a Divided Market
There are two sides of the mobile virtual reality market. Being more widely available than other headsets, mobile VR devices tend to cater to those who are on the lookout for a more affordable virtual experience. In fact, the mobile virtual reality market is a place where VR enthusiasts with lower budgets go to satisfy their VR needs. However, on the other side of the coin are the people who want a more easily accessible Virtual Reality experience that implements the power of the smartphone devices they already have.
Currently, both of those crowds have to tackle the choice of purchasing a higher-end mobile headset, such as the Gear VR, or going for the Chinese knock-offs and other affordable headsets that are not necessarily great in quality. With that in mind, if you are looking for a device that is not as expensive as the Gear VR and nevertheless offers better build-quality than the Chinese knock-offs, you are pretty much out of luck–before the Daydream came onto the scene. And that’s exactly where the Google Daydream fits.
The Google Daydream is the perfect mobile headset that manages to deliver a great build-quality that is backed up by the name of a big manufacturer and company, such as Google, while not being as expensive as the Gear VR.
How Does Daydream Fit for VR Fitness?
What’s more, one of the biggest issues with the current mobile VR headsets is the fact that even the Gear VR does not manage to deliver a safe and comfortable experience for enthusiasts of VR fitness. The Google Daydream may provide the right answers in this category as well, as it manages to deliver a new way of looking at VR devices and how they can provide both a great fit and still be comfortable and look great. As we’ve mentioned in our previous piece, the Google Daydream may prove to be one of the best devices to use when you are on the treadmill. It’s lighter, less prone to catastrophic falls that cause great damage and way easier to clean (and less prone to create more sweat than you already had while killing zombies).
The Daydream Content
Nevertheless, one of the biggest setbacks of Virtual Reality on both the PC, Console and the mobile markets has been the lack of quality content. Still, the Android-based View headset will be the perfect device that lets you interact with Google’s Daydream mobile VR platform and the currently announced software lineup does manage to get our hopes up, when it comes to content.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9bkKUrFloo
Over the coming weeks, after the release of the Google Daydream View Headset on Nov 10th, there are a number of applications that will be made available for the headset, including:
- Youtube VR
- Street View
- Google Play Movies
- Hulu VR
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- Invasion!
- Star Chart VR
- The Wall Street Journal VR
- The Guardian VR
- New York Times VR
- Danger Goat
- Hunters Gate
And also be on the lookout for Gunjack 2: End of Shift, Wonderglade, Mekorama, Need for Speed: No Limits VR, Home Run Derby and more.
To buy or not to buy?
At the end of the day, we are pretty satisfied with what the Google Daydream has to offer and if you have a Daydream certified device or are planning to purchase one, we will definitely recommend purchasing the Google Daydream View Headset. While it is not for everyone, if you are looking for a comfortable VR Fitness experience, the Google Daydream View Headset may very well provide you with it. With that in mind, we would definitely recommend purchasing this device.
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[…] headset does not deliver on the stability a VR fitness mobile headset needs. What’s more, the Google Daydream View is already on the market. Still, if you’d like to try out virtual reality with a headset […]