U.S. – Google Inc. (NASDAQ: sweatGOOGL) launched its Daydream VR gear for VR ready smartphones a month ago. For the price of $79, Google made VR experiences available for anyone.
Daydream VR hit the sweet spot. It is cheap, comfortable and does not require a powerful PC to bring VR experiences into a mass market. The gear has an enormous potential, and its value will only grow as developers continue to add more apps and feature to the hardware
The VR equipment became a game changer because it is a quality mobile VR for Android devices that also packs a controller system that works. The only downside is that the gear is still quite new and that the VR apps ready for Daydream are scarce.
What are the minimum requirements to use Daydream VR?
So far, there are four smartphones compatible with the headset: Google’s Pixel and Pixel Xl, and Lenovo’s Moto Z and Moto Z Force. The ZTE Axon 7 is soon to join the list. These devices have a Daydream-ready logo on their box, a status only Google can give.
Android OS just released the minimum specs of the Daydream. It will only be compatible with Android 7.1 Nougat or above.
Daydream-ready phones must have at least 1080p resolution, but Android recommends a display of 1440p or higher, measuring between 4.7-inch long and 6-inch diagonal. The devices must have at least two physical cores, but Android did not specify the minimum clock speed to make Daydream work smoothly.
Video recording is also important for mobile VR. Daydream devices must support H.264 recording at least 3840×2160 at 30fps/ 40Mbps, as well as HEVC and VP9 decoding at a minimum of 1920X1080 at 30fps/10Mbps.
Google needs manufactures to believe in the idea of VR experiences for the masses, but it remains to see if Android phone makers will prioritize these requirements to ensure a Daydream-ready status.
Why is Daydream so popular?
Daydream View packs a VR headset and a dedicated controller for a small price. The controllers will help the users move naturally inside the VR experience and play in video games.
The headset is comfortable because it is a lightweight and breathable fabric. The material is made up of foam and a soft cloth, but it is sturdy enough to keep the light out while the user is traveling inside the VR dimension.
The headset is also fashionable as it comes in three colors: Stale, Crimson, and Snow. However, the last two colors are yet to hit the markets.
The device has a 220 mAh battery that runs up to 12 hours. It uses a USB type-C connector and NFC and supports fast charging.
The sensors are accurate enough to read the movement of the user’s head. The gear uses a nine-axis Imus software for precision tracking. The device is available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
Source: Google User Content
