Standalone VR Headsets on the Way From HTC Vive and Google Daydream (VIDEO)
Virtual reality has been a growing part of the gaming landscape in recent years with it being integrated into numerous big-name titles as well as shaping newly emerging peripherals. Though VR holds an obvious potential, one of the most blatant drawbacks of the headset technology is its reliance on external devices, such as a PC or PlayStation 4, to perform the computational heavy lifting. What doesn’t help the situation is the abundant bundle of wires needed for the two to be connected in the first place. In a move to address these concerns, Google and HTC Vive have unveiled plans to release new headsets designed for an entirely standalone VR experience with no cables or outside hardware needed.
During a recent Google I/O presentation, they announced plans to roll out the new line of wireless VR devices under their Daydream banner with manufacturers HTC Vive and Lenovo letting the first versions loose later this year. A blog post on the official Vive website assured the public of their innovative expertise while also offering an explanation of what they hope to achieve with their sans-cable headset.
“Everything you need for the best portable VR is built right into the headset,” a Vive blog post explains. “Vive’s standalone VR headset will provide a deeper and more immersive portable VR experience than ever before.”
The new Daydream VR devices are to be based on Qualcomm’s newly released Snapdragon 835 VR development kit and make use of WorldSense – a 3D mapping technology Google describes as “precise movement tracking” that allows for users to “lean, dodge, and duck as you wish.” What makes WorldSense different from traditional motion tracking methods is its ability to do so without any external sensors. More about the technology can be learned in the video below:
Other than the few released concept sketches seen in the gallery above, there aren’t many details regarding Vive or Lenovo’s standalone VR specifications, pricing, or release dates as of yet with Vive’s blog only mentioning the reveal of additional information “soon”. We’ll let you know more here at Don’t Feed the Gamers when more becomes available.
Are you excited that virtual reality s moving into a wireless direction, or are you completely satisfied with using Google Cardboard for all your standalone VR needs? Let s know in the comments below and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more recent VR news, check out these next few links:
Eric Hall2712 Posts
Phone-browsing Wikipedia in one hand and clutching his trusty controller in the other, the legendary Eric Hall spreads his wealth of knowledge as a writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. Be sure to catch his biweekly "Throwback Thursday" segment for a nostalgic look at trivia from the past.
