Google’s new Daydream View VR headset

Virtual Reality (VR) is on a major roll, and Google has unveiled a follow-up to their original Daydream View headset. This being the 2nd in line to the first Daydream View headset, it is expected to support any phone that will support the Google Daydream platform. The Daydream’s approach to VR is somewhat interesting.

You simply put your phone into the front flap and put on the headset. That immediately activates the phone’s Daydream interface and the immersive experience begins.

So what is new in this version? One, improved optics. Granted, it isn’t the finest of VR, but the improvement in optics does give it a far better experience overall. Also improved is performance and usability, meaning that the experience is snappier and far better than the previous one.

The field-of-view also gets a major boost, with an additional 15 degrees added to the mix.

Google has also improved the remote, at least according to them, but if you asked me, it feels and works just like the same old laser remote, so if you have used this before, it’s pretty much the same experience. The upholstery gets a significant improvement with new better and sturdier textured fabric. Google has three main looks; “Charcoal,”, “Fog” and “Coral”.

Also, the front panel doubles up as a heat sink to allow the phone to cool should it overheat from extended usage. So what should you expect content wise for the Daydream view?

There are many YouTube series in the mix from The Confessional to The Female Planet but also, there are quite a number of games to expect too - they are in fact giving away a bundle of five games when this launches.

My thoughts?

While the experience isn’t the best, it isn’t all that bad either, especially given that the hardware is affordable at around Sh11,000. While subtle, the changes give a better experience, so it doesn’t hurt to consider it.

VR content is also on the rise, and this is an easy way to approach VR without hurting your wallet.