Google Cardboard (Photo : Twitter)
An Android virtual reality (VR) headset will likely be unveiled at Google I/O next week based on several rumors and a placeholder spotted on the Google Play Developer Console. The placeholder cannot be clicked on like an Android TV or Android Wear link. Android VR will reportedly be less powerful than HTC's Vive and Oculus' Rift VR devices.
Android Police first noticed the placeholder. Meanwhile, former Engadget Editor Peter Rojas' Twitter post noted how Android VR stacks up against other VR headsets, according to Tech Crunch.
It is unclear if Google will still launch a VR device that will not require a smartphone or PC to function. That news was first reported last February.
It seems that two Android VR headsets could be launched at Google's developer conference. However, at least one will probably be unveiled in the next weeks.
It will probably be a long time before the devices hit the market. The reason is that they will likely run the future Android N operating system.
Android VR headsets would have a lot of competition. They include Facebook's Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Samsung's Gear VR, and maybe Sony's PlayStation VR.
Google just expanded its Cardboard VR viewer to four more countries including Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, and France, according to Tech Times.
The budget VR gadget was released in the United States almost two years ago in June 2014. It can now be purchased in the four new countries directly from the Google Store.
However, it should be noted that only the original cardboard version is for sale. The new offering does not include the foldable C1 Glass viewer or the Mattel View-Master Starter Kit version.
Meanwhile, the VR headset's pricing will be a little higher than the US price points. It will cost about $21 in the UK. However, a two-pack in the UK will cost about $36 or just $18 per unit.
Google I/O 2016 will likely feature Android AR but probably not its Android N OS. Other stars of the event could include self-driving cars, Android apps for Chrome, Android Pay, Project Tango's augmented reality tech, and Google Chirp voice assistant.
Here's an Oculus Rift review:
