Google to Bring Standalone VR Headsets to Market This Year

Google to Bring Standalone VR Headsets to Market This Year
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Google plans to push virtual reality to more people by working with hardware partners on standalone headsets, according to Bloomberg. At its I/O developer conference, the company said it’s working with Qualcomm on a sample design so other manufacturers can build headsets that don’t require a connection to a smartphone or high-powered computer.

Current VR headsets, including Facebook’s Oculus Rift and Google’s own Daydream system, require a PC or phone. Google is working on standalone headsets with Lenovo and HTC, the company said. The headsets are expected to begin hitting the market later this year.

The company also will expand its Daydream headset, which was announced last year alongside the Pixel smartphone. Support for the VR system on Samsung’s new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus phones will be coming this summer, Google said. LG’s next flagship smartphone, expected this fall, will also support the Daydream device, Google said.