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(Update: "Android VR" spotted in dev console) Stand-alone Android VR rumored to be unveiled at Google I/O
Original post, May 11: Back in February, we heard a rumor that Google was working on a standalone VR headset that wouldn’t require a smartphone or computer. Their goal, evidently, is to out-perform the Samsung Gear VR with this portable piece of tech, and the Wall Street Journal reported that it would even have outward facing cameras for AR use. Now, if Peter Rojas is to be believed, we’re about to see the fruits of this project showcased at Google I/O next week.
Android VR will definitely be announced next week, and from what I’ve heard will be less powerful than the Vive or Rift.— Peter Rojas (@peterrojas) May 11, 2016
@kesslerio I don’t have more specifics, but multiple sources have told me that it offers better experience than Gear VR.— Peter Rojas (@peterrojas) May 11, 2016
There is, of course, still no word on pricing or specs. Affordability may be a big issue with this project, which is conceptually an expansion of Google Cardboard sans smartphone. It seems like Google is attempting to snag the currently-nonexistent midrange VR headset market. Right now users really only have two options when it comes to virtual reality: they can fork over the big bucks for something like the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift, or they can get an inexpensive headset for use with their smartphones. There really isn’t much middle ground.
Rest assured that we’ll have boots on the ground at the Google I/O conference, so if this unveiling turns out to be true, we’ll be giving you the coverage as soon as it happens. What are your theories regarding Android VR? Will it be exploiting a viable niche in the market, or is the virtual reality arena not quite ready for a mid-tier player yet? Let us know what price you’d pay for a device like this in the comments below!