Google Developing Standalone Virtual Reality Headset, Upgraded Cardboard Viewer

As rumors circulate about Apple's secret work on virtual reality headset prototypes, Google is developing a standalone virtual reality headset, reports The Wall Street Journal. Google's virtual reality headset is not reliant on a smartphone, computer, or game console, unlike existing virtual reality products like the Oculus Rift, which requires a powerful computer, or its own Google Cardboard viewer, which requires a smartphone.

According to sources familiar with Google's work, the VR headset will feature a screen, high-powered processors, and a set of outward-facing cameras. Movidius chips that use the camera feed to track head motion will be included, alleviating the need for an external camera to track movement.

googlecardboard
Along with a standalone virtual reality headset, Google is also working on a "more advanced version" of the Cardboard, which will be made of plastic and will include computer chips and sensors. The updated version of the Cardboard will be released this year, perhaps in May, but The Wall Street Journal says the timing of the standalone headset is unclear. It could debut in 2016, but since it is early in the development process, Google could scrap it.

Google and others have shipped more than five million cardboard viewers since late 2014, helping introduce many consumers to technology that immerses them in experiences that seem to be all around them. The recent moves suggest Google now thinks virtual reality could become a moneymaker in both hardware and software.

Apple is rumored to have a team of several hundred employees working on augmented and virtual reality, exploring the ways the emerging technologies could be used in future Apple products. The company has reportedly created several virtual reality headset prototypes as part of its work.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

Top Rated Comments

samcraig Avatar
99 months ago
I am sure as soon as Samsung heard about this they also scrambled to put together a team to work on it. They will do all they can to be the first to market with a bad product full of useless bells and whistles.
Samsung already has a pretty elegant consumer product called the Gear VR. It uses a phone - but has its own sensors. Are being deliberately obtuse?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
samcraig Avatar
99 months ago
Sorry - but not exactly accurate to state "As rumors circulate about Apple's secret work on virtual reality headset ('https://www.macrumors.com/2016/01/29/apple-virtual-reality-headset/') prototypes..." as Google has been working and has indicated as such before these Apple rumors came to light. It reads as if Google is following Apple. I don't really care about who's first. But let's be factual, no?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Popeye206 Avatar
99 months ago
I think VR will be like 3DTV.... DOA on arrival.

I think it's cool, I'm just not sure there's enough commercial value.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
samcraig Avatar
99 months ago
I have the Gear VR. Trust me, it's completely differ than wearing those 3D glasses. The VR is so immersive, after a quick moment, you'll forget you have it on. And the Gear VR is the bootleg experience. I can't wait to try the standalone Oculus.
Agreed. I also think that sensors, displays (a good reason for a phone to have 4k/8k screens too) and other tech will reduce the # of people who would typically get motion sickness from this kind of device. The Gear VR is light years ahead of cardboard in this respect and I suspect Oculus even more so. We're not there yet - but we will be no doubt.
[doublepost=1455223893][/doublepost]
A standalone VR headset will suffer the same fate as Google Glass.
I disagree. Two completely different devices and types of use cases. VR and AR aren't necessarily the same.
[doublepost=1455223969][/doublepost]
Wow, that is one truly ugly VR viewer.
Yeah - that free viewer made out of cardboard is really something to judge as if it's a product being sold to the public.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
99 months ago
Aw come on - it's $99 - it's almost a no brainer if you have a compatible device. The experience blows cardboard away. Just stop buying hot pockets this month ;)
Sure Sam. I'll get the Gear VR tomorrow. Now, when my wife questions "another damn unnecessary gadget purchase", I'm going to point her in your direction as the reason. When she kicks you in the grapes, maybe, just maybe you'll learn to be more fiscally responsible with my money... and she will kick you... in the grapes.

OT: I'm pretty sure the Gear VR is top notch since it was created in conjunction with Oculus. Oculus even advertises it on their website along side the Rift.
https://www.oculus.com/en-us/gear-vr/
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
samcraig Avatar
99 months ago
"Google is also working on a "more advanced version" of the Cardboard, which will be made of plastic and will include computer chips and sensors"


Pshhhh...Apple's headset will be made of premium 7000 series aluminium with the British-English pronunciation. Take that, Google!
HAHA! True...

On the more serious side, I do think that Google's version is likely to come out within the year. I would imagine Apple's will be long after that. And there will be other players (including Google) upping their game.

I'm excited to watch this space for what happens.
[doublepost=1455224941][/doublepost]
Sure Sam. I'll get the Gear VR tomorrow. Now, when my wife questions "another damn unnecessary gadget purchase", I'm going to point her in your direction as the reason. When she kicks you in the grapes, maybe, just maybe you'll learn to be more fiscally responsible with my money... and she will kick you... in the grapes.

OT: I'm pretty sure the Gear VR is top notch since it was created in conjunction with Oculus. Oculus even advertises it on their website along side the Rift.
https://www.oculus.com/en-us/gear-vr/
I am sure when you let her wear them and she can be surrounded by a 360 video (in 3d) of Tahiti or somewhere she'd love to go to get away from you - she'll deem it a fantastic purchase. And you'll never see her or it again.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 17

Apple Releases iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1 With Bug Fixes, Plus iOS 17.0.2 for iPhone 15 Models

Thursday September 21, 2023 10:28 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1 updates for the iPhone and the iPad, adding bug fixes to the new software. The iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1 updates come just a few days after Apple launched iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. The software, which is build 21A340, can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. There is a...
iPhone 16 Mock Header With Dynamic Island

Skipping the iPhone 15 Pro? Here's What's Rumored for iPhone 16 Pro

Friday September 22, 2023 9:29 am PDT by
Are you skipping the iPhone 15 Pro and waiting another year to upgrade? If so, we already have some iPhone 16 Pro rumors for you. Below, we recap new features rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models so far:Larger displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, according to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain...
Update Your iPhone 15 to iOS 17

Warning: Update Your iPhone 15 to iOS 17.0.2 Before Transferring Data From Another iPhone

Friday September 22, 2023 6:36 am PDT by
If you are unboxing an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max today, make sure to update the device to iOS 17.0.2 before transferring data to the device from another iPhone, or else you might encounter issues. iOS 17.0.2 is only available for the iPhone 15 lineup. Apple says the update fixes an issue that may prevent transferring data directly from another iPhone...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 double tap gesture 230912

watchOS 10.1 to Enable Apple Watch's New 'Double Tap' Gesture

Thursday September 21, 2023 12:52 pm PDT by
The new Double Tap gesture for the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be enabled starting with watchOS 10.1, according to Marques Brownlee, host of the popular tech-focused YouTube channel MKBHD. The first beta of watchOS 10.1 will likely be available by next week, and Apple announced that the software update will be released next month. Brownlee shared his impressions...
emojipedia 15 1 emoji

Emoji Coming to Future iOS 17 Update Include Shaking Head, Brown Mushroom, Lime, Phoenix and More

Tuesday September 19, 2023 12:43 pm PDT by
As Apple was announcing new iPhone models last week, the Unicode Consortium was officially approving new emoji characters that are set to be added to smartphones starting in 2024. Mockup of new emoji from Emojipedia Approved Unicode 15.1 emoji include phoenix, lime, an edible mushroom, shaking head vertically (as in a "yes" nod), shaking head horizontally (a "no" head shake), and broken...
iPhone 15 Pro Fingerprints

Apple Says Fingerprints Can 'Temporarily Alter the Color' of iPhone 15 Pro's Titanium Frame

Thursday September 21, 2023 2:48 pm PDT by
In a support document updated today, Apple indicates that fingerprints might "temporarily alter the color" of the titanium frame on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Fortunately, Apple says this is not a permanent condition, as the fingerprints can be wiped off just like on any other iPhone to restore a clean finish. "For iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the oil from your skin...