Add as a preferred source on Google


Google I/O 2017: Standalone Google VR Headsets from HTC, Lenovo Coming Soon

One of the major drawbacks to using virtual reality (VR) headsets is being tethered to a smartphone or PC while immersed in an experience. However, yesterday at the annual Google I/O 2017 developer conference, Google unveiled an upcoming “revolutionary” standalone VR headset that aims to change that. The headset will be manufactured by HTC and Lenovo.

Prototypes of the upcoming Daydream-compatible headsets from HTC (left) and Lenovo (right). Images: Google.

The Daydream-compatible standalone headsets will utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 VR platform and what Google is calling “WorldSense” technology, powered by its own Tango augmented reality system. On-board sensors in the headsets will enable inside-out tracking, which will remove the need to connect to any external hardware. Prices and release dates are to be determined.    

Read More

Clay Bavor, vice president of virtual and augmented reality at Google, wrote an essay on Medium that explains WorldSense in more detail.

The Daydream VR platform was introduced at last year’s I/O conference and already there are more than 150 VR apps in the Google Play Store. Google has been working on its standalone VR headset for more than a year.

To learn more about how WorldSense works, watch the video below.

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • diverse business people using laptops overlaid with data processing textures

    Copilot Gains Context‑Aware Agents for Teams, SharePoint and Viva Engage

    Microsoft has unveiled a public‑preview of its collaborative agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot, bringing a suite of "always‑on" agents grounded in context for channels, meetings, SharePoint sites, Viva Engage communities, and Planner workloads.

  • abstract graph showing growth

    Where Are You on the Ed Tech Maturity Curve?

    Ed tech maturity models can help institutions map progress and make smarter tech decisions.

  • cloud with binary code and technology imagery

    Report: Hybrid and AI Expansion Outpacing Cloud Security

    A new survey from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and Tenable finds that rapid adoption of hybrid, multi-cloud and AI systems is outpacing the security measures meant to protect them, leaving organizations exposed to preventable breaches and identity-related risks.

  • stylized figures, resumes, a graduation cap, and a laptop interconnected with geometric shapes

    OpenAI to Launch AI-Powered Jobs Platform

    OpenAI announced it will launch an AI-powered hiring platform by mid-2026, directly competing with LinkedIn and Indeed in the professional networking and recruitment space. The company announced the initiative alongside an expanded certification program designed to verify AI skills for job seekers.