Google's Daydream virtual reality headset will be unveiled alongside two brand new smartphones during its hardware event in San Francisco on Oct. 4, Tuesday. The VR device will reportedly retail for less than $100.
At the event, Google is expected to announce a series of devices including two Pixel smartphones, the Google Home personal assistant, 4K Chromecast devices and a Google Wi-Fi router. In addition, the tech giant will be unveiling its first-ever Daydream VR headset, which could be available for as little as $79, according to multiple sources, Variety reported.
Google first announced the virtual-reality device at its Google I/O press conference in May. The headset is basically a VR extension of the Android operating system and is similar to Samsung's Gear VR headset, wherein a user is required to place a smartphone into the headset for an immersive virtual-reality experience, according to ZDNet.
Like the Gear VR, the Daydream headsets will use the phone as a display. However, they will not use a touch-pad for navigation as in the case of Samsung's virtual-reality headset.
The Daydream VR headset comes with a handheld controller that bears a striking resemblance to the Wii remote. The controller is equipped motion-tracking sensor and can be used for navigation as well as for gaming in VR mode.
Users will have a plethora of virtual-reality devices to choose from this holiday season. The Oculus and HTC have both started shipping their products earlier this year, with a hefty price tag of $600 to $800. Not to mention, the additional cost of a high-end gaming PC to run VR apps.
Sony's PlayStation VR also releases next week. The VR headset will be available for $399 and will work on existing PS4 consoles. Samsung is offering its Gear VR to consumers for $99 and will face fierce competition from Google's $79 Daydream headset, which is expected to start shipping later this month.
For more details on Google's new VR device, watch the video below: