Huawei Nexus 6p (Photo : Facebook )
Google launched its Daydream virtual reality (VR) platform for mobile devices at its I/O developer conference last month. It will likely result in many Daydream-ready phones during the next few years. In fact, the CEO of Huawei's consumer division recently announced that the China-based company will launch a Nexus smartphone this year that runs within the VR ecosystem.
Richard Yu is the CEO of the Consumer Business Group at Huawei. He told The Wall Street Journal the tech giant plans to roll out a Daydream-ready smartphone sometime this year.
Huawei would join other mobile phone manufacturers that have already released mobile VR headsets that are paired with their smartphones. They include Samsung and LG.
However, Google has pointed out that Daydream-ready phones must have minimum specs. They will be launched later this year after Google's Android N is released.
It seems that the next version of Google's OS will get a fall rollout, which is when Huawei plans to release its phone, according to Ecumenical News.
Google might bundle Daydream-ready handsets with VR headsets. The Alphabet company announced last month it will team up with different companies to develop VR headsets and motion controllers.
The partners will also likely release Daydream-friendly phones. They include Alcatel, Asus, LG, Samsung, Xiaomi, and ZTE.
Huawei's goal is to take on smartphone market leaders such as Apple and Samsung. It plans to sell more mobile devices in the United States, which could include Daydream-ready phones.
The news from Huawei repudiates rumors that a special deal gave HTC exclusive rights to produce Nexus phones, according to BGR. Several reports this year stated the Taiwanese smartphone maker would launch at least two Google phones.
Nexus devices are a small market. They are popular with tech fans but few people purchase the phones and tablets.
Charlene Munilall is the general manager of Huawei's Consumer Business Group in South Africa. She explained that the Nexus 6p was not launched in the region because it is not popular among wireless carriers.
Meanwhile, Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently shared that Google has plans to launch new Nexus devices. It will not make the hardware but will be more involved with the gadgets.
Here's a Daydream VR Demo:
