Today at Google’s press event announcing the Pixel phone and Daydream View headset, the company detailed VR content on the way to the Daydream Android VR platform.
Along with Daydream VR apps and experiences we’ve seen previously, Google today announced a group of exciting content on the way to the platform. Release dates were not mentioned specifically, but we expect the content announced today to launch with the Daydream headset in November.
J.K. Rowling – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Google says they’ve been working with Warner Brothers on a Daydream VR experience based on J.K. Rowlings book/upcoming film located in the Harry Potter universe. The app will make use of the Daydream controller to put a wand in the hand of players who will encounter (you guessed it!) fantastic beasts.
Gunjack 2 from CCP Games
Also headed to Daydream is Gunjack 2. Developed by CCP Games, the same studio behind the MMO Eve: Online and VR game Eve: Valkyrie, it’s the sequel to Eve: Gunjack, a VR turret shooter that first debuted on Samsung’s Gear VR headset. It isn’t clear yet if Gunjack 2 will be exclusive to Daydream or if it will also land on Gear VR and other platforms.
Netflix, HBO, and Hulu
Major streaming media platforms Netflix, HBO, and Hulu are all getting apps that allow their entire libraries to be view on Google’s Daydream View headset. Videos through these services will naturally be shown on a big virtual cinema screen, but opens the door to VR content to be streamed as well. Netflix and Hulu have already made appearances on Gear VR, though we’ve been patiently waiting for Netflix’s promised multiplayer functionality.
Star Chart
Star Chart will let you explore an immersive map of the cosmos, allowing you to explore planets, stars, and constellations. This app has already been seen on Gear VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive.
Google Apps – Movies, Photos, Street View, and YouTube
Many of Google’s core Android apps are also getting the Daydream treatment. Movies will allow users to watch rented or purchased videos on a virtual big screen. Photos will let users “relive memories in an immersive way,” focused on users own captured photos and videos. Street View will let users explore Google’s huge library of street level photography, including 150 curated tours of memorable places like the Taj Mahal.
Then there’s YouTube of course which will make the jump from Cardboard to Daydream with a higher-end experience. The Daydream YouTube app will allow exploration of the entire YouTube library and of course viewing of made-for-VR content. No other platforms have seen an official YouTube VR app up to this point.
With the announcement of the Pixel Daydream-ready phone and Daydream View headset, Google is quickly gearing up for the Daydream launch coming in November.