Google Daydream View VR headset: When and where can you buy it?

Google’s new mobile VR headset has been given a launch date.

In a matter of weeks, you’ll be able to pick up the Daydream View, slip it over your head, slot in a Pixel phone, and begin experiencing virtual reality that sits somewhere between the high-end offering of Oculus Rift and the low-end offering of Google Cardboard. Think of it as Samsung Gear VR-like headset, only it’s powered by the new Google Daydream platform. Here’s everything you need to know about DayDream View, including what it is, how it works, how much it costs, when you can get it, and where.

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What is Daydream View?

During its I/O 2016 conference, Google announced Daydream, a new VR platform for Android devices that should make it easier to access virtual reality content. It’s a separate effort from the Google Cardboard platform, which centers around a budget, build-it-yourself headset and similar certified viewers. Google designed Daydream’s first commercial VR headset. It’s called Daydream View.

The Daydream platform is different from Cardboard in that it’s Android-only and has minimum standards that will ensure image equality, responsiveness, and lag times are significantly better. Also, Daydream defines a multi-button handheld remote that lets you interact with VR. This controller, which features a clickable touchpad, must be included with any Daydream headset.

Similar to the Cardboard platform, the Daydream View won’t be the only VR headset available for use with Daydream. Any headset that meets Google’s specifications can use a Daydream-ready Android smartphone to deliver a mobile VR experience. Check out Pocket-lint’s guide on Daydream for more information about how the new platform works and when it will be available.

What does Daydream View require to work?

For now, Daydream View requires Google’s recently announced Pixel or Pixel XL phone to work. Other compatible phones are supposed to be announced in the coming months. To use Daydream View, simply slot in your Daydream-ready phone, and then grab the Daydream View’s controller to take action – whether that be swinging back, bowling a strike, or piloting a spaceship. The headset, which is made from a lightweight fabric and sits on your face like goggles, works with 360-degree YouTube videos, VR apps in Play Store, and more.

How much is Daydream View?

Daydream View costs $79.

Remember, mobile VR is meant to be more affordable than high-end headsets like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or PlayStation VR. When you consider those prices, as well as the $25 Google Cardboard, which delivers a very basic mobile VR experience, Daydream View has a reasonable price tag.

When will Daydream View be available?

Daydream View will officially launch 10 November. Google announced the news in a blog post, and it opened a Google Store page.

Where can you buy Daydream View?

You can pre-order the device from Google Store or Verizon and Best Buy in the US. Other retailers and mobile companies will carry it in the UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia.

Want to know more?

Check out Pocket-lint’s Google hub for related articles.