It seems certain now that Google will be announcing Android VR after a placeholder was spotted in the Google Play Developer Console.
Google will be holding their annual software developer conference, Google I/O, on May 18th, where we are expecting a plethora of new announcements from Google. It’s a week away and already we’re seeing leaks on some announcements, particularly Android VR.
If you sign into the Google Play Developer Console you’ll be see the inclusion of ‘Android VR’ (below) alongside other Android peripherals: Android Wear, Android TV and Android Auto. Clicking it does not lead you anywhere yet, hence it’s just a place holder. It’s pretty clear now that Google will be announcing an Android VR headset.
Google already has a virtual reality headset in the form of Google Cardboard. The new VR headset from Google will be more powerful and according to a report from the Wall Street Journal, it will support multiple smartphones, which the Samsung Gear VR doesn’t.
Engadget co-founder Peter Rojas tweeted “Android VR will definitely be announced next week.” Rojas also claims Android VR will be less powerful than the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, corroborating the WSJ’s report.
Android VR will definitely be announced next week, and from what I’ve heard will be less powerful than the Vive or Rift.
‘ Peter Rojas (@peterrojas) May 11, 2016
Other rumours are pointing to a standalone virtual reality headset like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Google has recently worked with Movidius, who worked with Google to create the Project Tango smartphone. Google could use the motion-tracking technology seen in Project Tango for Android VR.
If Android VR proves to support cross-platforming smartphones, we could see a serious challenge against the Samsung Gear VR.
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Via Android Police.
