At Google’s I/O event in San Francisco today, they’ve announced that in Android N, they’re including a complete platform and ecosystem built entirely for virtual reality. The platform is called ‘Daydream’.

VP of Virtual Reality Clay Bavor took to the stage at Google’s I/O conference today to announce Daydream, a high quality platform and ecosystem for Android based virtual reality.

Google are creating Daydream to offer a fully optimised software platform and ecosystem for VR developers to build compelling mobile VR experiences against.

 

clay bavor daydream vr google io

On stage, Bavor described how Google’s developers have managed to integrate VR performance optimisations into Android N to deliver those all important low motion to photon response time. He also alluded to new reference VR headset, coming later this year in the Fall along with a new motion controller.

Daydream will be built around Daydream-ready hardware, with specifications that meet minimum requirements to qualify to drive Daydream VR apps.

Bavor went on to state that developers can begin working towards building their own Daydream apps right now, with more on Android VR detailed at the specific keynote speech by Bavor tomorrow.

This story is developing and will be updated as information becomes available.

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.


Paul James
Based in the UK, Paul has been immersed in interactive entertainment for the best part of 27 years and has followed advances in gaming with a passionate fervour. His obsession with graphical fidelity over the years has had him branded a ‘graphics whore’ (which he views as the highest compliment) more than once and he holds a particular candle for the dream of the ultimate immersive gaming experience. Having followed and been disappointed by the original VR explosion of the 90s, he then founded RiftVR.com to follow the new and exciting prospect of the rebirth of VR in products like the Oculus Rift. Paul joined forces with Ben to help build the new Road to VR in preparation for what he sees as VR’s coming of age over the next few years.
  • PrymeFactor

    Somewhat underwhelming annoucement. Basically their own version of the GearVR, but with potential fragmentation issues.

    Nothing on positional tracking, project Tango or a self contained headset.