Google is expected to take the wraps off a standalone Android VR headset at the I/O conference, stepping beyond the Cardboard.
The news comes from Gizmodo and Engadget co-founder Peter Rojas, and according to him, the Mountain View-based company will reveal the untethered wearable tech next week.
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
To no one's surprise, it won't hold much of a candle to the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift because mobile hardware will be under the hood to keep the lights on, as opposed to the beefed-up computers running the two powerhouses. With that said, Rojas notes that it's believed to be better than the Samsung Gear VR.
This is what I’ve heard. Better than Gear VR, not as good as Rift/Vive. https://t.co/0gzRg6aYKh — Peter Rojas (@peterrojas) May 11, 2016
However, as everyone knows, Samsung is dominating the mobile VR scene with the $99 headset, making it one tough cookie to beat. If Google wants to come out on top of the competition, then it'll have to bring a wearable tech to the table that's affordable and more powerful than the current top-of-the-line smartphones.
Aside from the Android VR headset, other products anticipated to make appearances at the event include the 2016 Nexus 7 and Project Tango, to name a few.
The 2016 Google I/O is scheduled to kick off between May 18 and 20 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, the company's hometown.
Assuming that the Android VR is true, what do you think of the Google-branded standalone headset? Don't hesitate to pay a visit in the comments section below to tell us what's on your mind.
