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Google Daydream

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Not to be confused with the "Daydream" screensaver feature of Android introduced in version 4.2 in 2012 and renamed "screen saver" in 2016.
Google Daydream
The second-generation Google Daydream View headset with its controller
DeveloperGoogle
TypeVirtual reality platform
Release dateNovember 10, 2016
Introductory priceDaydream View (1st gen): US$79
Daydream View (2nd gen): US$99
DiscontinuedOctober 15, 2019
Operating systemNative: Android (Nougat and up)
DimensionsDaydream View (1st gen): 6.6 in × 4.2 in × 3.8 in (168 mm × 107 mm × 97 mm)
Daydream View (2nd gen): 6.6 in × 4.6 in × 3.9 in (168 mm × 117 mm × 99 mm)
PredecessorGoogle Cardboard
Websitearvr.google.com/daydream/

Daydream is a discontinued virtual reality (VR) platform which was developed by Google, primarily for use with a headset into which a smartphone is inserted. It is available for select phones running the Android mobile operating system (versions "Nougat" 7.1 and later)[1][2] that meet the platform's software and hardware requirements. Daydream was announced at the Google I/O developer conference in May 2016,[1][2] and the first headset, the Daydream View, was released on November 10, 2016.[3] To use the platform, users place their phone into the back of a headset, run Daydream-compatible mobile apps, and view content through the viewer's lenses. A standalone headset with integrated hardware, the Lenovo Mirage Solo, does not require a phone to use.

Daydream was Google's second foray into VR following Cardboard, a low-cost platform intended to encourage interest in VR. Compared to Cardboard, which was built into compatible apps and offered limited features, Daydream was built into Android itself and included enhanced features, including support for controllers. Daydream was not widely adopted by consumers or developers, and in October 2019, Google announced that the Daydream View headset had been discontinued and that they would no longer certify new devices for Daydream.[4]

History

At the Google I/O developer conference in May 2016, Google announced that a new virtual reality (VR) platform called "Daydream" would be built into the next release of their Android mobile operating system (OS)—Nougat (7.1). Daydream was Google's second foray into VR following Cardboard, which was a low-cost standard that utilized a cardboard viewer with plastic lenses that could hold a smartphone. Whereas Cardboard was used by running compatible apps and was accessible on most smartphones, Daydream was built into the Android OS itself and only worked on select phones that met the platform's standards, such as having specific hardware components.[1][2] In January 2017, Google opened the Daydream program for all third-party developers.[5][6]

Software

Android Nougat introduced VR Mode, a low-latency, "sustained performance mode" to optimize the VR experience for Daydream. It dedicated a CPU core to the user interface thread to reduce visual issues that could induce nausea. Whereas the GPU normally sends frames to the device display in a "double buffering" mode on Android, VR Mode switched to "single buffering" to avoid intermediate frame buffer and instead draw frames directly to the display. The mode also allowed for asynchronous reprojection, whereby frames were slightly transformed to account for positional changes in the user's head that occurred during the 16 milliseconds that each frame was rendered and sent to the display. VR Mode also performance tuned the motion sensor pathways to result in quicker input from the device's accelerometer and gyroscope.[2] The mode assisted developers in optimizing apps to a device's thermal profile.[7] Overall, the performance improvements of VR Mode resulted in motion-to-photon latency decreasing on the Nexus 6P phone from 100 milliseconds on Android Marshmallow to less than 20 milliseconds on Android Nougat.[2]

Daydream also included a new head tracking algorithm that combined the input from various device sensors, as well as integration of system notifications into the VR user interface.[8]

Daydream allows users to interact with VR-enabled apps, including YouTube, Google Maps Street View, Google Play Movies & TV, and Google Photos in an immersive view. Google recruited media companies like Netflix and Ubisoft for entertainment apps.[1][2]

Headsets

First-generation Daydream View

The first-generation Daydream View headset, closed (top) and opened with the controller visible (bottom)

The first-generation Google Daydream View was announced on October 4, 2016.[9][10][11] Daydream-ready smartphones can be placed in the front compartment of the Daydream View and then viewed in VR through the headset's two lenses. The View distinguished itself from previous VR head mounts by being constructed out of a light-weight cloth material, as well as featuring capacitive nubs and an NFC chip to simplify the process of setting up virtual reality viewing.[12] The Daydream View was released on November 10, 2016,[3][13] initially in a "Slate" color option. Two new color choices, "Crimson" and "Snow", became available on December 8.[14]

In a review of the Google Daydream View, Adi Robertson of The Verge wrote that the headset was the "best mobile headset" she'd ever used, complimenting its "squishy foam-and-fabric body" being "significantly smaller, lighter, and more portable than the Samsung Gear VR", and that its design "keeps the lenses relatively protected during travel". She also liked the device's weight distribution, writing that it "rests more weight on your forehead than your cheeks, an option I've found more comfortable" and that allows her to "wear it easily for hours at a time". She also praised the material, particularly its plastic sliders rather than velcro patches on the head strap, writing that it allows "a wider range of sizes and avoids gathering lint", and that the View's overall design "could almost pass for an airplane sleep mask", meaning that it "avoids looking ostentatiously high-tech or intimidating".[15]

Google Daydream headsets are packaged with a wireless controller. This controller can be used for interacting with the virtual world through button presses or through waving the device. On-board sensors are used to track the orientation of the controller and approximate the position of the user's hand. The Daydream View's controller can be stored inside the headset while not in use.[11] The controller has a touch pad, two circular buttons (one functioning as a home button and one functioning as an app-specific button), and two volume buttons, along with a status light. The controller is rechargeable and charges via USB-C. On its support pages, Google noted that the Daydream View "doesn't include a charger or cables" and instead directs users to purchase those from the Google Store.[16]

Second-generation Daydream View

The second-generation Daydream View headset, opened to reveal a Samsung Galaxy S8

The second-generation Daydream View was unveiled during the Made by Google 2017 event. It was released in a different set of colors, namely: "Charcoal", "Fog", and "Coral". It is largely similar to the first-generation model, with a few improvements, including a slightly altered design and improved lenses for a wider field of view. Augmented Reality was a major upgrade exclusive to the second-generation's design. It was released on October 19, 2017, with a launch price of US$99.[17][18][19]

Lenovo Mirage Solo

Lenovo's Mirage Solo headset, announced at CES 2018, is the first standalone headset running on Google's Daydream platform. It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip, has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage expandable by microSD, dual mics, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a 2560 × 1440 LCD screen and a 4,000 mAh battery. Its highlight feature is support for Google "WorldSense", an improved position tracking technology.[20]

The headset is designed to be coupled with the Mirage Camera, which is a point-and shoot 180-degree 3D VR camera with two lenses that can capture in 4K.[21]

Lenovo released the device in May 2018 at a price of $399.[22]

Compatibility

Daydream will only work on certain newer phones with specific components. Google announced at the Google I/O conference in May 2016 that eight hardware partners would make Daydream-ready phones: Samsung, HTC, LG, Xiaomi, Huawei, ZTE, Asus and Alcatel.[23] Google CEO Sundar Pichai expected 11 Android smartphones supporting Daydream VR to be on sale by the end of 2017.[24]

Daydream-compatible phones
Phone Brand System-on-a-chip Date since Note
Pixel and Pixel XL[25][26] Google Snapdragon 821 October 4, 2016 First Daydream-compatible phone
Moto Z[27][28] Motorola Mobility Snapdragon 820 Requires Android Nougat system update
ZenFone AR[29] Asus Snapdragon 821 First mobile device to ship with support for both Google Tango and Google Daydream
Mate 9 Pro[30] Huawei Kirin 960
Axon 7[31][32] ZTE Snapdragon 820 February 7, 2017 Requires Android Nougat system update
Galaxy S8 and S8+[33] Samsung Electronics Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 July 31, 2017 Requires Android Nougat system update
Galaxy Note 8[34]
V30[35] LG Electronics Snapdragon 835
Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL Google
Galaxy S9 and S9+ Samsung Electronics Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 Not compatible after Android 10 update
Galaxy Note 9 Not listed on the official Google website, but is verified to be fully compatible
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL[36] Google Snapdragon 845
Moto Z² Force Motorola Mobility Snapdragon 835

Discontinuance

A user wearing the first-generation Daydream View headset

In 2019, HBO discontinued its Daydream apps, while Hulu dropped support for the platform from its app.[37]

On October 15, 2019, Google announced that it would no longer sell the Daydream View headset,[38] and that their new flagship phones, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, would not be certified for Daydream.[4] No phones released in 2019 were compatible with Daydream,[37] and the company confirmed that no additional devices would be certified for the platform.[4] A spokesperson said, "There hasn't been the broad consumer or developer adoption we had hoped, and we've seen decreasing usage over time of the Daydream View headset." The representative said that the company recognized the potential in smartphone VR but: "we noticed some clear limitations constraining smartphone VR from being a viable long-term solution. Most notably, asking people to put their phone in a headset and lose access to the apps they use throughout the day causes immense friction." Google confirmed that the Daydream app and app store would remain available.[37]

In October 2020, the company announced that it had ended support for the Daydream software, and that Android 11 would drop support for the platform entirely.[39]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Robertson, Adi; Miller, Ross (May 18, 2016). "Daydream is Google's Android-powered VR platform". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Amadeo, Ron (May 18, 2016). "Gear VRs for everyone! Google turns Android into a VR-ready OS: Daydream". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  3. ^ a b Jazayeri, Mike (November 1, 2016). "Daydream View coming to stores November 10th". The Keyword Google Blog. Google. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c Protalinski, Emil (October 15, 2019). "Google discontinues Daydream VR". VentureBeat. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
  5. ^ Gartenberg, Chaim (January 25, 2017). "Anyone can make an app for Google Daydream VR now". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  6. ^ Matney, Lucas (January 25, 2017). "Google opens up its Daydream VR platform to all developers". TechCrunch. AOL. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  7. ^ "Android N for Developers". Android Developers. Google. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  8. ^ ""VR at Google - Google I/O 2016"". YouTube. Google. May 9, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
  9. ^ Bavor, Clay (October 4, 2016). "Daydream: Bringing high-quality VR to everyone". The Keyword Google Blog. Google. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  10. ^ Roettgers, Janko (October 3, 2016). "Google to Unveil First Daydream Virtual Reality Headset Tuesday, Likely Priced $79 (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  11. ^ a b Robertson, Adi; Kastrenakes, Jacob (October 4, 2016). "Google's Daydream View VR headset goes on sale next month for $79". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  12. ^ Amadeo, Ron (October 5, 2016). "Daydream VR hands-on: Google's "dumb" VR headset is actually very clever". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  13. ^ Robertson, Adi (November 1, 2016). "Google's Daydream VR headset is coming November 10th". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  14. ^ Whitwam, Ryan (December 1, 2016). "Google Daydream View headsets in Crimson and Snow colors available for pre-order, shipping on December 8th". Android Police. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  15. ^ Robertson, Adi (November 11, 2016). "Google Daydream View Review: Mobile VR done mostly right". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved February 14, 2017.
  16. ^ "Use the Daydream View controller and headset". Daydream Help. Google. Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  17. ^ "New $99 Google Daydream View VR headset announced with three new colors". The Verge. Retrieved 2017-10-05.
  18. ^ "Google's new Daydream headset is $99". Engadget. Retrieved 2017-10-05.
  19. ^ Matney, Lucas. "Google delivers minor updates to Daydream View headset, bumps up price to $99". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2017-10-05.
  20. ^ Matney, Lucas. "Google's first WorldSense VR headset, the Lenovo Mirage Solo, ships in Q2 for 'under $400'". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2018-01-10.
  21. ^ "Google's VR180 Cameras Are the Future of Point-and-Shoot". WIRED. Retrieved 2018-01-10.
  22. ^ "Google and Lenovo's standalone VR headset will ship by mid-2018". The Verge. Retrieved 2018-01-10.
  23. ^ Opam, Kwame (May 18, 2016). "Samsung, HTC, Huawei, LG will build Android Daydream VR phones". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  24. ^ "Google says 11 Daydream-compatible phones will be on sale by end of 2017". Android Authority. 2017-07-25. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
  25. ^ Savov, Vlad (October 4, 2016). "Pixel 'phone by Google' announced". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  26. ^ Velazco, Chris (October 4, 2016). "Google's Pixel and Pixel XL might make you forget those Nexuses". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  27. ^ Steve, Billy (November 21, 2016). "Moto Z and Moto Z Force will be Daydream compatible with Android Nougat upgrade". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  28. ^ Carman, Ashley (November 21, 2016). "Moto Z and Moto Z Force will be Daydream compatible with Android Nougat upgrade". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  29. ^ Conditt, Jessica (January 2, 2017). "ASUS' ZenFone AR is ready for Google Tango and Daydream". Engadget. AOL. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  30. ^ "Daydream – Daydream-ready phones". vr.google.com. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
  31. ^ Carman, Ashley (February 7, 2017). "The Axon 7 is now compatible with Daydream VR". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  32. ^ Lopez, Napier (February 7, 2017). "ZTE's Axon 7 just became the cheapest Daydream VR phone with its update to Nougat". The Next Web. Retrieved February 7, 2017.
  33. ^ Matney, Lucas. "Daydream update starts arriving on Galaxy S8 and S8+ phones | TechCrunch". Retrieved 2017-08-06.
  34. ^ "Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Daydream compatibility available right out of the box". 9to5Google. 2017-09-06. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  35. ^ "The V30 is LG's first smartphone to support Daydream VR". Android Authority. 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2017-10-04.
  36. ^ Lang, Ben (2018-10-09). "New Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL Are Daydream Ready, Google Confirms". Road to VR. Retrieved 2018-10-11.
  37. ^ a b c Roettgers, Janko (October 15, 2019). "Google Ships Pixel 4 Without Daydream VR Support, Stops Selling Daydream Viewer". Variety. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
  38. ^ Robertson, Adi (October 15, 2019). "Google is discontinuing the Daydream View VR headset, and the Pixel 4 won't support Daydream". The Verge. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
  39. ^ Robertson, Adi (October 2, 2020). "Android 11 officially drops support for Google's Daydream VR". The Verge. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
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