Reports indicate that Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Google is preparing to release a new virtual reality headset very soon. According to reports published in the Financial Times, Google has been working on a more advanced model of VR headsets for a considerable length of time now and is now ready to release to the market a product that will compete with Samsung’s Gear VR.
And in what appears to confirm the reports, the company has recently undergone a minor reorganization in which a new division that is devoted to VR was created. The division is now headed by Clay Bavor and is charged with the responsibility of managing the VR technology of Google, apart from developing and marketing the new VR headset.
In the recent past, Google developed the Cardboard, a new form of VR headset that was marketed as revolutionary at the time. However, Samsung developed its Samsung Gear VR that appeared to be more advanced. The Samsung Gear VR is synchronised to the smartphone of the user. This means that the manner in which the device works relies heavily on the smartphone of the user.
Interestingly, Google seems to have realized the need to increase the number and types of sensors that are included in the VR headsets. In its new version, it is said that the company is including additional sensors that can detect the motion changes of the head of the user and adjust the view to give users a better VR experience. This will not only be a remarkable improvement on the Cardboard, but will also offer a direct challenge to the Samsung Gear VR.
But according to the Financial Times, the release of the new type of VR headset by Google will signify the release of the underlying technology to developers and the general public. Google will make the Android VR platform completely open to developers and the general public.
This will be important in two main ways. First, it will make it possible for developers to create new VR devices using the platform. Second, it will serve to make public the actual capabilities of the Android VR technology and this will enhance the competitiveness of the Google device in the market.
Interestingly, Google has remained completely silent with regard to the rumors that it is about to release a new VR headset and Android VR platform to the market. Regardless of this, it is widely believed that the company is going to make the announcement in May during the Google I/O event.
