Google Daydream Virtual Reality Headset Arrives To Mixed Reviews
By
Daryl Deino
Published on: 13:06 PST, Nov 17, 2016
Virtual reality has been all the rage lately. Recently, as the Inquisitr reported, the Sony PlayStation VR, a desktop VR solution, garnered very positive reviews. Now, Google has released Google Daydream, a mobile virtual reality set that is currently compatible with the Google Pixel or the Pixel XL.
Google’s virtual reality headset has received mixed reviews. Ars Technica calls Daydream the “fast casual restaurant” of the VR world.
“Google Daydream is like a decent meal at a moderately priced fast-casual restaurant. For a little more money, you get a distinct step up in quality from Google Cardboard’s fast-food-quality VR and a bit of much-needed flair through the clever handheld controller.”
Google’s Daydream isn’t a high-end VR headset like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive [Image by Ramin Talaie/Getty Images]
However, the article adds that Daydream is still a far cry from the “high-class” meal you’d get from top-end VR experiences. The review adds that there isn’t enough content yet, and this sentiment is echoed by New Atlas.
“As for Daydream’s apps and games selection, it’s hard to see this as anything but a huge let-down – and perhaps a deal-breaker in the short-term. Right now there’s a grand total of 12 Daydream games you can download in the Play Store. In my experience, none of them are must-haves, with ‘highlights’ (a relative term, if ever there was one) including obscure indie titles like Wonder Glade,Mekorama and Danger Goat.“
The review adds that as of right now, the Daydream is a lot less capable than the Samsung Gear VR, which has been out — at least in beta — since 2014. The Gear VR is made by Oculus.
CNET has given the Google Daydream three-and-a-half stars. They like the fact that it’s affordable, portable, and easy to set up. The review lists YouTube, Google Street View, and Google Photos as potential amazing apps. However, they say it’s limited now and note that the controller that it comes with doesn’t allow you to pick anything up in VR. Some of the commenters after the article aren’t very impressed.
The Google Daydream is often compared to the Samsung Gear VR headset. [Image by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images]
“Oh great. Another face-vise design. Thanks Google. Yeah I’m sure it will be more comfortable than having cardboard slicing into my face flesh,” says Davea0511b.
“Looks like a cheaper Gear VR, as expected,” points out Tlpina.
However, there is certainly a lot of excitement for the Google Daydream on Twitter.
Google is really hoping that mobile virtual reality takes off. Samsung has released three updated versions of the Gear VR so far, but it wasn’t until the one released along with the Note 7 in August that the Gear VR received unanimously good reviews. PC Magazine gave the new Gear VR four stars.
“Still the reigning champ of mobile VR, the 2016 edition of Gear VR is weeks away from facing its real first rival – Google Daydream. We’d recommend waiting until October to see Google’s plans and partners.”
That might not sound very positive, but the article adds that the Gear VR is still a neat and — at times — mind-blowing Samsung Galaxy accessory that has important design tweaks. The review didn’t mention some specifics, like the fact that the field of view (FOV) has improved. The FOV on the Gear VR is actually 10 degrees larger than it is on the Google Daydream.
Perhaps the Daydream will be better received once more apps are added and when Google allows other phones by different manufacturers to run the Daydream. However, for $79, one who owns the Google Pixel or Pixel XL apparently can’t go wrong purchasing the Daydream now.
[Featured Image by Ramin Talaie/Getty Images]
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