Google working on hybrid reality headset
Internet giant said to be developing new device to straddle both virtual and augmented reality
It seems Google may not have completely backed away from the high end virtual reality market.
A report from ReCode earlier this month, citing "sources familiar with the plans", said the internet giant had planned a range-topping VR device of its own to take on the Facebook-backed Oculus Rift headset and the HTC Vive.
Instead, Google was to focus its VR-only efforts on its new smartphone platform, Daydream, a new headset and controller device for flagship Android smartphones set to be available later this year.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
However, ReCode's scoop has been superseded by a report from Engadget claiming Google is still developing a headset of sorts, with a twist over the expensive devices you can buy right now.
According to the site's sources, developers are combining elements of virtual reality with augmented reality to make a hybrid headset blurring the lines between the two concepts.
The AR aspect is what will make the device stand out compared – it could render virtual scenes, objects, characters, just about anything onto a view of the real world, while VR-only headsets create complete environments, locking their wearers inside them.
Engadget's sources said the headset would not be powered by a smartphone or computer so would be completely independent, unlike the expensive headsets already on the market or coming soon. It will also have a screen, although many of its features will be in line with AR applications over VR. Presently, there's no firm release date.
As the site points out, in February, the Wall Street Journal reported on a Google headset making use of externally mounted cameras. It's possible that is the same project as the one outlined by Engadget.
So far, Google's virtual reality efforts, Google Cardboard, have been noticeably and purposefully low-tech, although the company's history with augmented reality is a little more high end.
It developed the Google Glass, a display worn like a pair of glasses for displaying information in an AR format, and has also invested in an ambitious mixed reality start-up company called Magic Leap.
Google declined to comment to Engadget and Ubergizmo says it’s a rumour probably best taken with a grain of salt for now.It seems Google may not have completely backed away from the high end virtual reality market.
A report from [1] ReCode earlier this month, citing "sources familiar with the plans", said the internet giant had planned a range-topping VR device of its own to take on the Facebook-backed Oculus Rift headset and the HTC Vive.
Instead, Google was to focus its VR-only efforts on its new smartphone platform, Daydream, a new headset and controller device for flagship Android smartphones set to be available later this year.
However, ReCode's scoop has been superseded by a report from [2] Engadget claiming Google is still developing a headset of sorts, with a twist over the expensive devices you can buy right now.
According to the site's sources, developers are combining elements of virtual reality with augmented reality to make a hybrid headset blurring the lines between the two concepts.
The AR aspect is what will make the device stand out compared – it could render virtual scenes, objects, characters, just about anything onto a view of the real world, while VR-only headsets create complete environments, locking their wearers inside them.
Engadget's sources said the headset would not be powered by a smartphone or computer so would be completely independent, unlike the expensive headsets already on the market or coming soon. It will also have a screen, although many of its features will be in line with AR applications over VR. Presently, there's no firm release date.
As the site points out, in February, the [3] Wall Street Journal reported on a Google headset making use of externally mounted cameras. It's possible that is the same project as the one outlined by Engadget.
So far, Google's virtual reality efforts, Google Cardboard, have been noticeably and purposefully low-tech, although the company's history with augmented reality is a little more high end.
It developed the Google Glass, a display worn like a pair of glasses for displaying information in an AR format, and has also invested in an ambitious mixed reality start-up company called Magic Leap.
Google declined to comment to Engadget and [4] Ubergizmo sa
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
AI is causing concern among the LGBTQ community
In the Spotlight One critic believes that AI will 'always fail LGBTQ people'
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Modern presidents exercise power undreamed of by the Founding Fathers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 15, 2024
Cartoons Monday's cartoons - flamingos in flight, taxes, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Artificial history
Opinion Google's AI tailored the past to fit modern mores, but only succeeded in erasing real historical crimes
By Theunis Bates Published
-
Is Google's new AI bot 'woke'?
Talking Points Gemini produced images of female popes and Black Vikings. Now the company has stepped back.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
The pros and cons of virtual reality
Pros and cons The digital world is expanding, for better and for worse
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
The Apple Vision Pro's dystopian debut
Why everyone's talking about Is "spatial computing" the next big thing?
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Why Google search results have 'gotten worse'
Under The Radar Search engines are 'flooded' with 'garbage' content, say experts
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
2023: the year of the AI boom
the explainer This year, generative artificial intelligence bypassed the metaverse and became the next big thing in tech
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Is using Google's Enhanced Safe Browsing mode worth it?
Talking Point The mode has its positives and its drawbacks
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Google is pitching an AI journalism tool to major news outlets
Talking Point News executives find the technology called Genesis unsettling
By Theara Coleman Published