Google Developing Standalone Virtual Reality Headset, Upgraded Cardboard Viewer

[MacRumors]

As rumors circulate about Apple's secret work on virtual reality headset prototypes, Google is developing a standalone virtual reality headset, reports The Wall Street Journal. Google's virtual reality headset is not reliant on a smartphone, computer, or game console, unlike existing virtual reality products like the Oculus Rift, which requires a powerful computer, or its own Google Cardboard viewer, which requires a smartphone.

According to sources familiar with Google's work, the VR headset will feature a screen, high-powered processors, and a set of outward-facing cameras. Movidius chips that use the camera feed to track head motion will be included, alleviating the need for an external camera to track movement.

Along with a standalone virtual reality headset, Google is also working on a "more advanced version" of the Cardboard, which will be made of plastic and will include computer chips and sensors. The updated version of the Cardboard will be released this year, perhaps in May, but The Wall Street Journal says the timing of the standalone headset is unclear. It could debut in 2016, but since it is early in the development process, Google could scrap it.

Google and others have shipped more than five million cardboard viewers since late 2014, helping introduce many consumers to technology that immerses them in experiences that seem to be all around them. The recent moves suggest Google now thinks virtual reality could become a moneymaker in both hardware and software.

Apple is rumored to have a team of several hundred employees working on augmented and virtual reality, exploring the ways the emerging technologies could be used in future Apple products. The company has reportedly created several virtual reality headset prototypes as part of its work.

Article Link: Google Developing Standalone Virtual Reality Headset, Upgraded Cardboard Viewer

 

[ForzaJuve]

As rumors circulate about Apple's secret work on virtual reality headset prototypes, Google is developing a standalone virtual reality headset, reports The Wall Street Journal. Google's virtual reality headset is not reliant on a smartphone, computer, or game console, unlike existing virtual reality products like the Oculus Rift, which requires a powerful computer, or its own Google Cardboard viewer, which requires a smartphone.

According to sources familiar with Google's work, the VR headset will feature a screen, high-powered processors, and a set of outward-facing cameras. Movidius chips that use the camera feed to track head motion will be included, alleviating the need for an external camera to track movement.

Along with a standalone virtual reality headset, Google is also working on a "more advanced version" of the Cardboard, which will be made of plastic and will include computer chips and sensors. The updated version of the Cardboard will be released this year, perhaps in May, but The Wall Street Journal says the timing of the standalone headset is unclear. It could debut in 2016, but since it is early in the development process, Google could scrap it.Apple is rumored to have a team of several hundred employees working on augmented and virtual reality, exploring the ways the emerging technologies could be used in future Apple products. The company has reportedly created several virtual reality headset prototypes as part of its work.

Article Link: Google Developing Standalone Virtual Reality Headset, Upgraded Cardboard Viewer

 

[samcraig]

Sorry - but not exactly accurate to state "As rumors circulate about Apple's secret work on virtual reality headset prototypes..." as Google has been working and has indicated as such before these Apple rumors came to light. It reads as if Google is following Apple. I don't really care about who's first. But let's be factual, no?

 

[ForzaJuve]

I am sure as soon as Samsung heard about this they also scrambled to put together a team to work on it. They will do all they can to be the first to market with a bad product full of useless bells and whistles.

 

[samcraig]

I am sure as soon as Samsung heard about this they also scrambled to put together a team to work on it. They will do all they can to be the first to market with a bad product full of useless bells and whistles.

Samsung already has a pretty elegant consumer product called the Gear VR. It uses a phone - but has its own sensors. Are being deliberately obtuse?

 

[Popeye206]

I think VR will be like 3DTV.... DOA on arrival.

I think it's cool, I'm just not sure there's enough commercial value.

 

[samcraig]

I think VR will be like 3DTV.... DOA on arrival.

I think it's cool, I'm just not sure there's enough commercial value.

I disagree. If you look at the data of amount invested, companies making acquisitions in this space and the proliferation of 360 video, etc - it's going to be significantly bigger than 3D. Further, 3D is being absorbed by this medium as part of total immersion.

 

[Thunderhawks]

I think VR will be like 3DTV.... DOA on arrival.

I think it's cool, I'm just not sure there's enough commercial value.

I'd say use this cardboard model and sell it as is. It will have the same commercial impact as the final piece.

Too many people are highly sensitive to motion, so they get sick.

Anyway, a gadget nobody really must have to go through life.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I think VR will be like 3DTV.... DOA on arrival.

I think it's cool, I'm just not sure there's enough commercial value.

You couldn't be more wrong about that.

I don't think VR will take over traditional way of viewing, but it will eventual be in every household.

 

[Michael Scrip]

You couldn't be more wrong about that.

I don't think VR will take over traditional way of viewing, but it will eventual be in every household.

People didn't like wearing 3D glasses to watch TV...

But they are gonna strap on a freakin' helmet?

Seriously though... you're right. I, too, think VR will be in our lives in some way. Even if it's just a Cardboard-like short experience. This stuff is pretty cool. I'd love to use Cardboard to watch some true 3D VR YouTube clips.

 

[porky]

Samsung already has a pretty elegant consumer product called the Gear VR. It uses a phone - but has its own sensors. Are being deliberately obtuse?

I tried it, it works really well. I wish there was a decent VR set that works with the iphone. Cardboard is not good enough.

 

[justperry]

You couldn't be more wrong about that.

I don't think VR will take over traditional way of viewing, but it will eventual be in every household.

I think Thunderhawks has it right.↓↓↓↓

Too many people are highly sensitive to motion, so they get sick.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

People didn't like wearing 3D glasses to watch TV...

But they are gonna strap on a freakin' helmet?

Seriously though... you're right. I, too, think VR will be in our lives in some way. Even if it's just a Cardboard-like short experience. This stuff is pretty cool. I'd love to use Cardboard to watch some true 3D VR YouTube clips.

I have the Gear VR. Trust me, it's completely differ than wearing those 3D glasses. The VR is so immersive, after a quick moment, you'll forget you have it on. And the Gear VR is the bootleg experience. I can't wait to try the standalone Oculus.

 

[Rafagon]

Wow, that is one truly ugly VR viewer.

 

[dannyyankou]

A standalone VR headset will suffer the same fate as Google Glass.

 

[samcraig]

I have the Gear VR. Trust me, it's completely differ than wearing those 3D glasses. The VR is so immersive, after a quick moment, you'll forget you have it on. And the Gear VR is the bootleg experience. I can't wait to try the standalone Oculus.

Agreed. I also think that sensors, displays (a good reason for a phone to have 4k/8k screens too) and other tech will reduce the # of people who would typically get motion sickness from this kind of device. The Gear VR is light years ahead of cardboard in this respect and I suspect Oculus even more so. We're not there yet - but we will be no doubt.
[doublepost=1455223893][/doublepost]

A standalone VR headset will suffer the same fate as Google Glass.

I disagree. Two completely different devices and types of use cases. VR and AR aren't necessarily the same.
[doublepost=1455223969][/doublepost]

Wow, that is one truly ugly VR viewer.

Yeah - that free viewer made out of cardboard is really something to judge as if it's a product being sold to the public.

 

[69Mustang]

People didn't like wearing 3D glasses to watch TV...

But they are gonna strap on a freakin' helmet?

Seriously though... you're right. I, too, think VR will be in our lives in some way. Even if it's just a Cardboard-like short experience. This stuff is pretty cool. I'd love to use Cardboard to watch some true 3D VR YouTube clips.

Cardboard is actually a fun experience. Initially I thought it would be super crappy hype. I was simultaneously proven wrong and pleasantly surprised. It seriously made me consider a Gear VR. I decided to hold off simply waiting on a more mature product, but more importantly a decent amount (and variety) of content to be available.

 

[samcraig]

Cardboard is actually a fun experience. Initially I thought it would be super crappy hype. I was simultaneously proven wrong and pleasantly surprised. It seriously made me consider a Gear VR. I decided to hold off simply waiting on a more mature product, but more importantly a decent amount (and variety) of content to be available.

Aw come on - it's $99 - it's almost a no brainer if you have a compatible device. The experience blows cardboard away. Just stop buying hot pockets this month

 

[MasterRyu2011]

"Google is also working on a "more advanced version" of the Cardboard, which will be made of plastic and will include computer chips and sensors"


Pshhhh...Apple's headset will be made of premium 7000 series aluminium with the British-English pronunciation. Take that, Google!

 

[69Mustang]

Aw come on - it's $99 - it's almost a no brainer if you have a compatible device. The experience blows cardboard away. Just stop buying hot pockets this month

Sure Sam. I'll get the Gear VR tomorrow. Now, when my wife questions "another damn unnecessary gadget purchase", I'm going to point her in your direction as the reason. When she kicks you in the grapes, maybe, just maybe you'll learn to be more fiscally responsible with my money... and she will kick you... in the grapes.

OT: I'm pretty sure the Gear VR is top notch since it was created in conjunction with Oculus. Oculus even advertises it on their website along side the Rift.
https://www.oculus.com/en-us/gear-vr/

 

[samcraig]

"Google is also working on a "more advanced version" of the Cardboard, which will be made of plastic and will include computer chips and sensors"


Pshhhh...Apple's headset will be made of premium 7000 series aluminium with the British-English pronunciation. Take that, Google!

HAHA! True...

On the more serious side, I do think that Google's version is likely to come out within the year. I would imagine Apple's will be long after that. And there will be other players (including Google) upping their game.

I'm excited to watch this space for what happens.
[doublepost=1455224941][/doublepost]

Sure Sam. I'll get the Gear VR tomorrow. Now, when my wife questions "another damn unnecessary gadget purchase", I'm going to point her in your direction as the reason. When she kicks you in the grapes, maybe, just maybe you'll learn to be more fiscally responsible with my money... and she will kick you... in the grapes.

OT: I'm pretty sure the Gear VR is top notch since it was created in conjunction with Oculus. Oculus even advertises it on their website along side the Rift.
https://www.oculus.com/en-us/gear-vr/

I am sure when you let her wear them and she can be surrounded by a 360 video (in 3d) of Tahiti or somewhere she'd love to go to get away from you - she'll deem it a fantastic purchase. And you'll never see her or it again.

 

[2457282]

I read a rumor on another site that Apple could be working on a AR windshield for cars. That would be very cool so that directions and points of interest pop up on the windshield as you drive -- like a super pop up display that fighter pilots use. That seems like a great use of this technology. Especially when the car drives itself. I have no idea the veracity of that rumor, but it does seem Apple is working on something. VR cardboard boxes seems boring in comparison.

 

[FieldingMellish]

Walking about town, I see zoned-out people here and there. That's all we need is to give real life the boot and go 100% immersed into virtual reality.

 

[samcraig]

Walking about town, I see zoned-out people here and there. That's all we need is to give real life the boot and go 100% immersed into virtual reality.

AR and VR aren't the same though.

 

[Tech198]

Sorry - but not exactly accurate to state "As rumors circulate about Apple's secret work on virtual reality headset prototypes..." as Google has been working and has indicated as such before these Apple rumors came to light. It reads as if Google is following Apple. I don't really care about who's first. But let's be factual, no?

isn't that how is work in business though ?.. I mean there were not a large selection of ulta-thin PC laptops as thin as the MBA only till Apple did it..

I laugh at the sight that Google actually has their logo on of a piece of cardboard as if it something "special" which by the way u can easily DIY yourself with off-the shelve parts (and no logo)

I would like to see a VR that comes out that when u put on doesn't make you look like a idiot.. Guess no one learned how to make VR with flush lenses yet.. No doubt that will come eventually.