Announced back in May, an update bringing Google Daydream support to the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus has begun rolling out, making those phones the only two to support both Daydream VR and Gear VR.

The Android Soul reports today that Galaxy S8 and S8+ updates with Google Daydream support have begun rolling out to Verizon customers. The updates are detailed on Verizon’s website as NRD90M.G950USQU1AQG4 for the S8 and NRD90M.G955USQU1AQG4 for the S8+. Several other improvements to the phone’s operating system, including the latest Android security improvements, come with the update. Other carriers should deploy the update in due time, though it isn’t clear yet when that will happen.

The update makes the Galaxy S8 and S8+ arguably the best phones to own right now for VR because they’re the only two that offer support for both Google’s Daydream and Samsung’s Gear VR headsets, which means users aren’t stuck in one ecosystem or the other.

SEE ALSO
Google Daydream Review: Casual VR Closes the Gap

For Oculus, whose software underpins the Gear VR headset, the newfound Daydream support is an awkward affair to say the least, we explained why in a prior article: How Google’s Latest VR Moves Are a Major Blow to Oculus’ Mobile Strategy.

Newsletter graphic

This article may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product we may receive a small commission which helps support the publication. More information.


Ben Lang
Ben is the world's most senior professional analyst solely dedicated to the XR industry, having founded Road to VR in 2011—a year before the Oculus Kickstarter sparked a resurgence that led to the modern XR landscape. He has authored more than 3,000 articles chronicling the evolution of the XR industry over more than a decade. With that unique perspective, Ben has been consistently recognized as one of the most influential voices in XR, giving keynotes and joining panel and podcast discussions at key industry events. He is a self-described "journalist and analyst, not evangelist."
  • Ted Joseph

    I think that is an excellent idea! I was actually considering not purchasing either phone because there were two separate head sets. Not that the samsung can play either, I may get it.

  • RFC_VR

    Great news that they are opening up Daydream to more people!

    Very interested to see difference in VR tracking performance between Galaxy S8 and Pixel?

    Considering the Pixel phones have highly calibrated sensors on board (HMD is dumb i.e. plush cardboard viewer with NFC strip)

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/8d1999858736891bcecfcfc0790bd440519a95b05913b7bcdd97d501d8eb7706.jpg

    Whereas the Galaxy use the Gear VR HMD, which has the additional sensors on board the HMD with USB connection to smartphone?

    • benz145

      You’re right, Pixel has its sensors in the phone while Gear VR relies on its own sensors in the headset. I’ve used both quite significantly and haven’t been able to feel a notable difference in the tracking latency.

  • Joan Villora Jofré

    A simple question: can Daydream be used with GearVR? With 101º of FOV, sensors, etc?

    • Sensors, no – that’s the Oculus runtime. But there should be a way using CB Enabler etc. You’d still need a Daydream Controller, unless someone hacks the GearVR controller for Daydream emulation.

      • Joan Villora Jofré

        Ok, thanks!
        Maybe someone makes an app that makes it compatible, even the same Google or Samsung.

  • Mike549

    Even with the update this still doesn’t allow you to download the Daydream vr app even though that feature is listed in the update notes. Apparently we are still waiting for Google to allow it.