Google has already listed a number of manufacturers that have partnered to bring Daydream VR smartphones to the market as early as this fall. The virtual reality platform by Google lists requirements for the specifications of handsets that will be considered Daydream ready, but specifics have yet to be published, with Google stating most, if not all, current Android devices on the market will not qualify.
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While many companies have expressed interest in the virtual reality platform by Google, it is Alcatel who are the first company to announce production of devices with the new Daydream VR in mind.
Alcatel say it has worked closely with Google engineers to come up with a device that is aimed at “delivering an immersive audio experience, better display and premium content, including music, gaming and entertainment”. Although Google have provided a design sheet as a recommendation to manufactures, the company are leaving those hardware makers to use their imagination around how the necessary components are bolted together for a final design.
Dan Dery, Alcatel’s Chief Marketing Officer, said in the press release:
“We are dedicated to enriching the VR ecosystem by providing innovative solutions for hardware, content and the user experience. This continues our commitment to bringing our consumers the latest VR technology customized to their needs.”
Daydream VR is currently scheduled to be released in November 2016 and will be natively baked in to Android N. Alcatel say that its lineup of VR ready devices will launch in the first half of 2017.
