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Google unveils Daydream VR platform

"VR should be mobile, approachable, and for everyone"

Today at its I/O conference Google unveiled its plans for virtual reality with Google Daydream, which comprises smartphones, a headset and controller and apps.

The Daydream platform will run on Android smartphones and Google's VP of VR Clay Bavor promised under 20 milliseconds of latency.

"VR should be mobile, approachable, and for everyone," he said.

Google isn't making its own headset though, its releasing a reference design that other companies can use to build their own. The Daydream controller design, which is motion controlled, will also be available.

"Together with Android manufacturers, we're working on upcoming phones, and sharing designs with them for a VR viewer and controller that will be really immersive, comfortable and intuitive to use. Your favorite apps and games will be coming to Daydream too, including Google's-like YouTube, Street View, Play Movies, Google Photos and the Play Store. More to come this fall," said Google in a statement.

Developers have already been in touch to let us know that they plan to work with the new platform:

"With Daydream's potential reach and accessibility and the current mobile VR headsets on the market, mobile is on track to become the number one VR platform in regards to headsets in the marketplace and potential for mainstream adoption," said Resolution Games' CEO Tommy Palm.

"We are very excited to have been invited to be a part of Google's new VR initiative. We feel we share the same vision for VR and are looking forward to working together to increase VR's spread into mainstream and setting additional standards for the future of VR."

nDreams also announced it had two games in the works for Daydream and NetEase will make fantasy action RPG Twilight Pioneers available on the platform.

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Rachel Weber

Senior Editor

Rachel Weber has been with GamesIndustry since 2011 and specialises in news-writing and investigative journalism. She has more than five years of consumer experience, having previously worked for Future Publishing in the UK.