What is Android’s next destination? Thanks to Qualcomm, it’s going to be used in untethered VR headsets.
What is Android’s next destination? Thanks to Qualcomm, it’s going to be used in untethered VR headsets.
Google’s plan for VR headsets currently revolves around Daydream, in which smartphones are slotted into headsets like DayDream View. But VR’s future appears to be in untethered head-mounted displays, which are self-contained computers. These headsets don’t need to be hooked up to smartphones or computers to roam VR worlds.
Google hasn’t talked about a plan for self-contained VR headsets yet, but a Qualcomm effort may accelerate efforts to release Android-based head-mounted displays.
Qualcomm is pushing for the development of a new generation of such VR headset with its Snapdragon 835 chipset as part of a new development kit.
The chipmaker will ship VR headsets as part of a program for partners and content developers around the second quarter. The VR headsets and development kit will become widely available thereafter.
These headsets will be based on Android OS but will have their own VR software overlay. The underlying OS is Android, but the user experience with the OS won’t be anything like you see in a smartphone.
The headsets could also provide a sneak peek into Google’s plans to create a version of Android for untethered headsets. Beyond Daydream, Google also offers Tango, its AR platform, but it doesn’t need a VR headset.
Qualcomm plans to show some VR headsets at the upcoming Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco.
