Google's Cardboard VR, released in 2014 [Courtesy of Google]
Google is to unveil its virtual reality (VR) headset at the company's "I/O Developer Conference" this week. Google's new headset, known as "Android VR" will be a standalone device, according to Peter Rojas, founder of IT specialist media outlet Gizmodo and Engadget.
Multiple VR headsets have been flooding the market since the beginning of this year, and Google's new VR headset will jump into competition along with Samsung's "Gear VR", Oculus' "Oculus Rift", and "HTC's "Vive". The reports say that the Android VR will not need a smartphone or a PC to power it.
In 2014, Google released "Cardboard", which is a VR headset frame for smarphones sized from four-inches to 6 inches. Its cost varies from 10 US dollars to more than 20 dollars depending on the models. The Cardboard gained porpularity among light users who wished to exprience VR environment with low costs. But since it had no external controllers, its users found the Cardboard inconvenient since they had to pull apart the headset to navigate through their smartphones and putting them back on the head before using.
The Android VR being a standalone device would be a strong advantage when compared to its rivals. Other competitors in the market need separate power sources such as smartphones or powerful PCs to run the devices. Which means its users will have to pay for additional systems to experience VR environment.
As for the performances, Peter Rojas stated through his Twitter account the Google's new VR headset will provide better VR experience than Samsung's Gear VR, but not as advanced as Oculus Rift and Vive.
Although the Google's Android VR has some advantages against its rivals, how much the VR headset would cost will definitely affect consumers' choices on purchases. Experts of the industry predict the Android VR would be priced around from 100 dollars to 500 dollars. Gear VR is priced at 99 dollars, Oculus Rift is 599 dollars, and Vive is priced at 799 dollars.
Google's annual I/O Developer Conference will take place at Shoreline Amphitheater, California, from May 18 until May 20. Google is expected to unveil more of its products at the conference.
Aju News Park Sae-jin = swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
