Google going virtual – tech giant developing a premium VR headset

GOOGLE looks set to join the high-end virtual reality revolution with a new VR device.

 

Google is rumoured to be developing a high-end VR headset

 

This is the year when virtual reality will finally explode on to the market.

Facebook, PlayStation, HTC and Samsung all have new headsets arriving in 2016 and now Google appears to adding its expertise to the VR race.

The US internet giant is rumoured to be developing a new, high-end, virtual reality headset which will go head-to-head with some of the biggest names in tech.

It's thought the new gadget glasses will work with a range of Android-powered smartphones which will act as the screen, bringing users a fully immersive experience without the need for a computer or games console.

Samsung has already developed a similar concept with its Gear VR, although only the most recent Samsung devices are currently compatible.

According to a report from the Financial Times, Google wants its headset to work with a wide range of mobile devices.

 

It's also thought that Google is working hard to stop latency problems that have hit some current headsets.

The idea of VR is that you can view a 360 degree virtual world but some earlier adopters are finding the headset can't keep up with the movement of their head, leading to users feeling nauseous.

Google already has an entry-level device called Google Cardboard which can be ordered online for just a few pounds and also uses a smartphones as its screen.

This basic device allows people to get their first taste of VR and has already been shipped to over five million users across the globe.

Google is also boasting over 25 million VR app downloads from it Android Play Store in this fast growing market.

 

Samsung already has its Gear VR on the market

 

Speaking about success of Google Cardboard, Clay Bavor, VP Virtual Reality said: "A year and a half ago we introduced Google Cardboard, a simple cardboard viewer that anyone can use to experience mobile virtual reality (VR).

"Since then everyone from droid lovers and Sunday edition subscribers, to big kids and grandmas have been able to enjoy VR—often for the very first time.

"Keep your eyes peeled for more projects that bring creative, entertaining and educational experiences to mobile VR."

A recent study suggested the VR industry could be worth $150 billion (£90 billion) by 2020.

 

Google has already shipped over five million Cardboard headsets