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Everything you need to know about Google's new VR headset

This is Google's "Daydream View," the headset component of Google's phone-based VR system.

Everything you need to know about Google's new VR headset
Tech1 min read

It's covered in cloth microfiber, intended to make it as comfortable to wear as possible.

It

"We worked with clothing designers and makers to get the design just right," Google VR head Clay Bavor said of Daydream View during the announcement.

"We worked with clothing designers and makers to get the design just right," Google VR head Clay Bavor said of Daydream View during the announcement.

"The result is something that's soft, and cozy, and feels great to wear."

"The result is something that

This is what it looks like on a human:

This is what it looks like on a human:

Attaching the phone to the headset looks like a cinch. Simply open the latch on top:

Attaching the phone to the headset looks like a cinch. Simply open the latch on top:

Here's what the headset looks like open, without the phone:

Here

Slap your phone in there:

Slap your phone in there:

And close it up! There are no wires, and no ports. The headset works wirelessly with the phone.

And close it up! There are no wires, and no ports. The headset works wirelessly with the phone.

So, what does the headset do? It's a comfortable set of lenses, essentially.

So, what does the headset do? It

In terms of processing, that heavy lifting is being handled by the Google Pixel phone.

In terms of processing, that heavy lifting is being handled by the Google Pixel phone.

The only connection is between the Daydream View's remote, seen here, and the phone. That's handled over Bluetooth.

The only connection is between the Daydream View

The remote has two buttons on the front, which are intentionally unique so you can feel the difference without having to look.

The remote has two buttons on the front, which are intentionally unique so you can feel the difference without having to look.

Everything you need to know about Google's new VR headset

Everything you need to know about Google

Don't like the grey look? There are two other options that you might fancy:

Don

Everything you need to know about Google's new VR headset

Everything you need to know about Google

So, what can you do with this thing? Google's promising a huge selection of content by year's end, with over 50 "partners" already on board.

So, what can you do with this thing? Google

All sorts of content is coming to Google's Daydream View platform. Netflix, Hulu, and HBO ("their entire entertainment libraries") are all coming this year, and you'll be able to watch, say, Netflix's new "Luke Cage," on a massive virtual screen. Not too shabby.

A variety of media outlets are also contributing content, from The New York Times to BuzzFeed to The Guardian. It looks like CNN and others are also on board, with more to join in the future no doubt.

And Google's bringing a wide variety of its own services to the platform: Google Play movies, YouTube, Google Photos, and Google Maps (Street View in VR!).

That ranges from stuff like a new "Gunjack" game from the "EVE Online" folks at CCP Games:

That ranges from stuff like a new "Gunjack" game from the "EVE Online" folks at CCP Games:

To a VR version of Google Maps' Street View functionality:

To a VR version of Google Maps

To a "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" experience:

To a "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" experience:

Everything you need to know about Google's new VR headset

Everything you need to know about Google

There's even this strange-looking game called "baobab." What's this bunny up to?!

There

Google's also touting a variety of education and traveling software, like this "Curiscope" app:

Google

Google's Daydream View headset (with remote) costs $79.

Google

If your pre-order Google's Pixel phone before October 19, you can snag a headset for free. Both the phone and the headset arrive in November.

If your pre-order Google

Check out the full intro video right here, care of Google:

Check out the full intro video right here, care of Google:

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