At today's I/O developer conference in Mountain View Google announced a new overarching Virtual Reality initiative called Daydream.  Phase 1 of Daydream will enable Daydream ready Android N smartphones to take VR to the next level beyond Cardboard. "VR Mode" will be an integral part of the core of Android N, opening up VR to a vastly larger audience.  The hardware includes a more substantial headset that looks to be on par with Samsung's Gear VR, and a handheld control unit that goes beyond the bluetooth remotes often bought with higher end Cardboard VR headsets. Movement/gesture tracking along with tighter SDK integration appear to be key enablers.

HTC, LG, Huawei, Samsung, Xiaomi and other OEM's are listed as partners to create Daydream compliant devices that we expect will compete vigorously to offer consumers the best quality VR experience. ARM, Qualcomm, MediaTek and Imagination Technologies will be among the key silicon enablers on the component side.  Initial devices will be available beginning sometime this fall. Pricing is unknown.  HBO, the NBA, Ubisoft and others are lining up do their part on the content side. 

This initiative is a key step to extend the reach of low price smartphone-based VR headsets, which will dominate shipments moving forward.  




Strategy Analytics forecasts global virtual reality headset wholesale revenues will grow over 5000% from 2015 to 2022. 

Our exclusive VR forecast Global Virtual Reality Headset Forecast: 2014 - 2022 and accompanying report Smartphone-Based VR will be the 'Gateway Drug' to Oculus, Vive & Playstation VR is available to Wearable Device Ecosystem (WDE) clients.