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Daydream VR will debut "in coming weeks" with big Google content push
When Google announced its Daydream virtual reality platform in May, it showed a number of applications which were in development to help make the experience great. Though most of the apps it showed off at its annual I/O conference were proprietary experiences such YouTube, the company announced that it would be opening up the platform to developers to produce new content for smartphone owners to enjoy. Now, Google has announced that it is partnering with companies such as Hulu to produce 360 degree content which will help populate the platform with experiences for everyone to enjoy.
While headsets such as the HTCVive and Oculus Rift have a high barrier to entry, Daydream allows anyone with a compatible smartphone to experience virtual reality content on the fly. Requiring little more than a VR viewer and the phone itself, users can witness the content in a whole new way, becoming much more immersed in the applications they use everyday.
It’s revolutionary, said Finn Staber of Wave VR, commenting an his recent VR concert experience. “While competitors are targeting users willing to spend hundreds of dollars for top-notch VR equipment, mobile will reach mass audiences.”
While Hulu is planning to introduce its new 360 degree content for a variety of developing platforms, the company is waiting for Google to debut its new VR service before this content is launched. Daydream is set to release alongside Google’s new Nexus devices within the next month or so, and should introduce a whole slew of new content.
Alongside the Hulu launch comes new original content which Google is pouring funding into. The company is enlisting the help of a number of YouTube stars such as the Dolan twins and Justine Ezarik to create a selection of 360 degree videos for viewers to enjoy. For film makers looking to produce their own content, Google is placing some pretty strict standards on hardware used. To be eligible for Google’s Jump VR film program, film makers must use a certified 16-camera rig such as the Go-Pro Odyssey, priced at $15,000.
It’s set to be an exciting year for Google’s new platform, which should help to revolutionize the already amazing space that is mobile VR. With Google’s enthusiasm and funding pouring into the development of the new platform, Daydream should quickly become a popular option for those looking to experience the new tech.
This post was originally published on our sister site, VRSource.com.