Google announces inside-out tracking standalone headset coming soon from partners.
Google’s annual Google I/O developer kicked off Wednesday with Google’s VP of VR Clay Bavor taking the stage to announce the company’s next-generation virtual reality headset.
To be launched later this year, the standalone headset does not require a computer or a smartphone to power the device. Google revealed that partners, including HTC and Lenovo, are building the new headsets.
The standalone devices will operate and Google’s Daydream platform and utilize inside-out positional tracking dubbed “WorldSense.” The WorldSense technology enables positional tracking, meaning the headset tracks your precise movements in space – and it does this all without any external sensors to install.
Google stated that they have been working closely with Qualcomm to create a standalone headset reference design, which partners can use as a blueprint to build from. The standalone headset from HTC Vive and Lenovo will be coming later this year.
You can view HTC’s standalone headset site now. Or the video from Lenovo below.
An early report Tuesday suggested Google would be unveiling a standalone VR headset during the conference. In a separate report this morning, it was revealed that Google trademarked “WorldSense,” which could possibly be related to the new standalone VR headset.
During last year’s Goolge I/O, Google announced Daydream, the company’s VR platform built on top of Android N. At the time, Google teased Daydream-ready phones and a mobile VR headset with motion controllers to be available in Fall.
In October, Google unveiled the Daydream View headset. Powered by the Google Pixel phone (the first Daydream ready phone), Daydream View was the tech giant’s move to bring VR to mass consumers with a more comfortable and simple mobile VR system — all for the price of $79.
