Once upon a time, Google was rumoured to be building its own virtual reality headset that would see it compete with the likes of the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. However, this may no longer be the case as Recode reports that this VR headset project has since been shutted down.
While no one is qutie sure as to why Google has halted all progress on its VR headset, Recode speculates that the decision likely stems from Google’s effort to streamline its more ambitious projects. One of those said projects is rumoured to be Daydream, Google’s won VR platform for Android.
Even thought the VR headset project has been discontinued, this doesn’t mean that Google’s headset ambitions are over just yet. Engadget is reporting that while the VR headset project has indeed been shut down, Google is currently working on a seperate headset that aims to blur the lines between virtual reality and augmented reality. According to Engadget’s sources, Google has been actively assigning individuals to work on a high-end headset in recent months. Team members of this particular project were told that Daydream is not the company’s long-term plan for virtual and augmented reality, implying that what they would be working on would be far more ambitious than a VR platform for Android phones.
As for what the hardware will offer, Engadget reports that this particular headset will not require a computer or a phone to power it. While it does have a screen, it will offer features more in line with AR systems than VR headsets. Basically, Google is looking at developing a stand alone HoloLens-type headset. No release date was given as to when this headset will be available, but sources say that it is an important part of Google’s future plans.