Google keeps up its promise of making virtual reality accessible to masses at the ongoing CES 2017. The company, at the show announced addition of four more device-support for its Daydream VR. These devices include ZTE Axon 7, Huawei Mate 9 Pro, Porsche Design Mate 9 as well as the ASUS-made ZenFone AR. Apart from Daydream support, all apps available on the Google Play Store will also be accessible to users.
Previously, Daydream VR was available for a handful of Android phones along with Pixel series, Moto Z and a few iPhones. The new devices added to the lineup extend the list further providing customers a variety of choices to choose from. Apart from these additions, Google also announced the launch of its first ever third party headset in order to ingress VR further.
ZTE Axon 7 is a mid-ranging phone powered by a Snapdragon 821 and having a 5.5-inch WQHD AMOLED display. The said phone will roll out its Nougat update in coming weeks supporting the Daydream VR. The other one ASUS ZenFone AR expands its potential by supporting the VR as it already was Tango-enabled, Google’s AR software platform. The phone features a 5.7-inch display along with three lens camera stack. Google further stated that it will launch various interesting apps for Tango in coming months.
Erik Hermanson, head of marketing for mobile products at ASUS commented at the show, saying,
This is the next wave of technology that is really going to get consumers excited about smartphones.
Lastly, Huawei’s Mate 9 Pro and Porsche Design Mate 9 both have a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 displays and are equipped with a non-Qualcomm HiSilicon Kirin 960 processor. The company also detailed plans for launching its own Daydream headset by the end of this year, which will exclusively support Huawei devices. It is currently working on the project and has not said anything about the pricing of the product.
The VR headset will be equipped with adjustable focus unlike Google’s space for glasses. The rest of the headset will most likely be identical to Gear VR having a plastic frame. For now it’s just good news for Google’s Daydream fans.
