MELBOURNE: Like every technology giant, Apple, Sony and many more Google is working on a Android based Virtual Reality device to transform the future. According to a Wall Street Journal Google has implied a whole team of engineers in making of a Android based virtual reality device.
The news comes courtesy of a report in the Wall Street Journal. It says Google has a small team of engineers working on the project and that the tech firm is keen to make Android the default OS for virtual reality headsets. Right now, most headsets don’t run an on-board operating system of their own — instead they rely on code being run by a connected computer.
The WSJ says it has spoken to people “familiar with the situation” though Google has refused to make any comment. Given Google’s strategy of trying to get Android on every platform possible — from cars to television sets — it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if a virtual reality edition of Android was on the way too. It’s a good bet that if Android VR is in development, we’ll hear more about it at Google I/O later this year.
Facebook, Samsung, Valve, Microsoft and the other firms involved in the VR push are unlikely to get Google have everything their own way, though — and Apple has been filing patents in this area too. Over the course of this year the battle for control of VR software looks set to really begin in earnest, so it won’t just be your smartphone where you need to pick a side.
Two people familiar with Google’s project have spoken up to the Wall Street Journal and claim that Google has a large team of engineers working on software that could run on future virtual reality devices. Given that there are no virtual reality devices currently in the market, Google’s plans could take quite a time to materialize practically. The team seems to be the company’s response to Facebook’s acquisition of Occulus earlier, which also showcased its VR headgear at the GDC.
Like Android, Google also intends to distribute its software free of cost, a strategy that has resulted in Android becoming the largest smartphone software right now. Virtual reality is a field where many experts and manufacturers see great potential in the future.
Aside from Facebook, Samsung, Sony and Microsoft all have already jumped into the foray with their respective products. Google’s Android Virtual Reality team is headed by Clay Bavor and Jeremy Doig. Bavor also helped Google create Project Cardboard that uses cardboard, magnets and lenses to create 3D images of pictures shown on Android smartphones. While the concept might sound rather rudimentary, Google does have the right people at the head of its team. Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated. Meanwhile let us know what you think in the comments section.
