Although the VR industry is currently experiencing a downturn, we haven't abandoned our belief in this transformative technology. We see this phase as a necessary period of refinement that will eventually lead to a powerful resurgence. Despite the slowdown, there are still many exciting innovations and new products emerging in the VR space.
Last year, virtual reality was all the rage, with major players like HTC Vive and Oculus Rift launching their VR headsets. Samsung introduced the Gear VR, while Google unveiled its Daydream platform along with the Daydream View headset. However, this year has seen a noticeable cooling off in the market. Companies like Nokia have even decided to discontinue their Ozo VR camera, citing "slower-than-expected VR market development" as the reason.
Despite this, we’ve observed significant progress in the field. For instance, Oculus recently launched a standalone VR headset, and Google is collaborating with Qualcomm, Lenovo, and HTC to develop a mobile VR headset that doesn’t require a smartphone or PC. Although these new devices are not yet widely available, they signal a promising direction for the future of VR.
On a more positive note, Google recently upgraded its Daydream View headset. While it may not introduce groundbreaking features, the comfort level has improved significantly, making it one of the most user-friendly VR headsets on the market.
**What is Daydream?**
Daydream is Google’s mobile virtual reality platform. By placing your smartphone into a compatible VR headset, you can explore immersive apps, watch 360-degree videos, or enjoy multimedia content in a virtual environment. The headset allows head movement to view 360-degree content, though it lacks room tracking, so using it on a swivel chair is recommended.
You can download VR apps and games from the Google Play Store, and many streaming services like YouTube, Hulu, and Netflix offer VR content. Even regular videos can be viewed through the headset, offering a more engaging experience.
Since its launch, the Daydream platform has grown significantly, with hundreds of apps and games now available. One of the biggest challenges in VR has always been content availability, so the expansion of Daydream is a welcome development.
**Daydream View and Its Upgrade**
The new Daydream View offers several improvements over its predecessor. While the design remains largely similar, the new model feels more secure and comfortable. The textured surface gives it a more premium feel, the headband is tighter, and the inner lining is softer. Though we still prefer the fabric material of the older version, the newer model looks more advanced and fits closer to the face.
An added headband provides extra support, and the design accommodates glasses without any issues. The magnesium alloy base plate also serves as a heat sink, helping prevent overheating—a common problem in mobile VR. During testing, the phone remained only slightly warm after an hour of use, which is a marked improvement from previous models.
Another key upgrade is the wider field of view—10 degrees more than the old model—which enhances immersion by allowing users to see more of the virtual world. Light leakage, which was a concern in the original Daydream View, has also been significantly reduced, improving the overall experience.
While the new model is slightly heavier, it still ranks among the most comfortable mobile VR headsets. Compared to the Samsung Gear VR, which is bulkier and less comfortable, the Daydream View stands out for its design and ease of use.
The remote control has also seen minor improvements. It's compact, easy to handle, and features a touchpad for intuitive navigation. The layout of the buttons has been refined to improve usability.
**Setup and Compatibility**
Currently, the Daydream View supports 12 smartphones, including Pixel, Galaxy S8, Note 8, LG V30, and others. While the list has expanded this year, there's still room for more affordable models to join the ecosystem.
For the best experience, it's recommended to pair the headset with a high-resolution phone. For example, the Pixel 2 XL delivers a much smoother experience than the Pixel 2. However, iOS users are out of luck, as Daydream does not support iPhones.
Setting up the Daydream View is straightforward. Simply download the app, place your phone in the headset, and use NFC to connect. Pairing the remote is quick and easy, and once set up, you can start using it immediately.
**Usage Experience**
Most supported phones feature Snapdragon 821 or 835 processors, ensuring smooth performance for both games and videos. In testing, everything ran smoothly, and the experience was enjoyable.
Mobile VR still feels like a casual gaming experience, but the ability to cast your screen to a TV via Chromecast makes sharing experiences with friends easier and more fun.
**Conclusion**
The new Daydream View is priced at $99, which is $20 more than the previous model, but the enhanced build quality and comfort make it well worth the investment. It remains one of the most comfortable mobile VR headsets available, and the Daydream platform continues to grow.
At the same price point, the Samsung Gear VR is a strong competitor, but it only works with Samsung devices. If you're not ready to switch to a Samsung phone, the Daydream View is the better choice.
While the new Daydream View is currently the top option for mobile VR, the market is about to change with the arrival of standalone VR headsets from Google and others. These devices won’t require a phone or PC, and if you’re not in a rush, it might be wise to wait for the next wave of innovations.
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