Google has today unveiled its first virtual reality headset. It will be called Daydream View and is created to work only with phones that have capable hardware. The Google Pixel smartphone is the first to support it.

Google Daydream View
Google first announced its Daydream platform for virtual reality in May 2016. Today, Google unveiled "Daydream View"; the company's first real VR headset after it has used the cheap Cardboard headset to test the market over the last two years.

The headset is made from fabric, is very light and comfortable to wear, and designed to be very easy to use, says Google. This means that as soon as you insert a phone, the two devices will start communicating wirelessly, start the Daydream interface, and auto-adjust the VR effect. Daydream View has space for glasses, too.

The new Google Pixel phone is the first to be "Daydream Ready". This means that it has the hardware required to deliver what Google believes is a proper mobile VR experience. More phones will be released from Google’s partners later.


Content for Daydream
JK Rowling's "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" will be one of the first experiences that you can try on Daydream. There will be VR apps in many different categories, including educational apps such as Starchart that lets you explore starts and galaxies.

The Daydream platform will support games, just like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR. One of the first titles will be a sequel to EVE: Gunjack.

You can even view traditional 2D video from services such as Netflix, HBO and Hulu. There is of course also access to YouTube’s 360-degree videos and true VR videos. Traditional YouTube videos can be watched on a flat virtual cinema canvas. Lastly, Google highlighted its movie rental service Google Play Movies and Streetview.

Content from more than 50 partners will be available before the end of the year.

Daydream View will be available in November for $79 dollars in black (Slate), red (Crimson) and white (Snow). More information is available at store.google.com.