Google showed early signs of possibly making a play at the leading virtual reality gear but it looks like the search engine giant has changed its roadmap a bit.
While Google will continue to be in the mix, it may be relegated to the operating system rather than an actual head gear that would compete with the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. According to Recode, Google recently shut down an internal project involving a high-end VR headset as it shifts focus on producing mobile VR tools.
Daydream now in full steam?
With that said, Google is seen concentrating more on their “Daydream” platform. For those who are unaware, this is the company’s ticket to the VR niche based on Android.
The internal project was reportedly under Google’s parent company Alphabet. Experimental projects like this can be shut down even before debuting in the real world so it doesn’t really raise much of an alarm, according to Engadget.
No successor for Google Cardboard
Despite Google’s preference not to comment on the rumor, the company will end up having no successor to its highly touted Google Cardboard at least for now.
Despite word from the Wall Street Journal that Google was working on a standalone high-end VR headset, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive will remain as top attractions.
The ambitious solution was pretty intriguing considering it was something that could allegedly function independently. This means it doesn’t need to be hooked to a phone or a PC, making it something worth looking forward to.
But as things stand now, VR fans will have to wait. Google is not totally out of the VR game for now and could be planting seeds with its Daydream platform. Once they fine-tune that niche, expect another round of VR headset-related rumors scouring the web.
