Google on Monday finally launched its virtual reality headset, dubbed as “Daydream View VR” in the Indian tech market at a price tag of Rs 6,499. The Daydream View VR with a controller is now made available for purchase exclusively via domestic e-commerce website Flipkart.com. To recall, Google’s first Virtual Reality headset, the Daydream View was unveiled at the 2016 Google I/O developer conference last year, along with company’s flagship smartphone Google Pixel. The Daydream View VR headset was launched in Crimson, Snow and Slate colour variants. In India, the headset has been launched in Slate colour variant.
As an introductory offer, the e-commerce website is offering a host of interesting deals and discounts on the purchase of Google Daydream View VR headset. The first 30 customers to purchase the Google Daydream View headset via Flipkart can join in a contest to win the Google Chromecast 2 for free. The first 50 customers can also participate in an another contest for Google Play Store Credit worth Rs 500. Additionally, Axis Bank Buzz Credit Card holders can get extra 5% discount and PhonePe wallet users will get a flat Rs 300 off on their payment mode. Apart from that, Flipkart is also offering EMI option starting at Rs. 723 per month (no cost EMIs) and Rs 316 per month (other EMIs) for selected bank’s Credit Card owners.
The Daydream View virtual VR headset’s exterior cover is made of light and soft micro-fibre cloth, making it breathable and comfortable. The Daydream View is designed to fit over eyeglasses also. The smartphone and headset have an auto-alignment system, so you won’t have to worry about cables or connectors to attach phone with the headset. Currently, the Daydream VR headset is now compatible with Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Moto Z (1st gen and Z Force), Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, HTC U11 and Android Nougat powered high-end smartphones. Google promises that Samsung Galaxy S8+ and Galaxy S8 phones will soon become compatible with the Daydream VR headset.
The Daydream View also comes with a motion-controller or smart remote which allows users to interact with VR simulations using their body movements and hand gestures. This small and powerful motion-controller lets users interact with the virtual world the same way as they interact with the real world surrounding them. Daydream View is packed with sensors that respond precisely to a user’s body movements and gestures. When the users are done using it, they can slide it into a specially-created area within the headset.
The Google Daydream View VR headset comes bundled with a collection of apps and games for Daydream-ready phones. Apps and games on Daydream include NYT VR, Guardian VR, The Turning Forest, Labster: World of Science, Google Play Movies, Netflix VR, Within, Fantastic Beasts, The Arcslinger, Mekorama VR, Wonderglade, Need for Speed No Limits VR, Gunjack 2: End of Shift, LEGO BrickHeadz Builder VR and much more.
Commenting on the launch, Clay Bavor, Vice President of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality at Google said, “Daydream View promises users a mesmerising experience. Swim with a pod of dolphins, stand at the edge of a volcano and even visit Pluto with Daydream View. Users can teleport from virtually anywhere to pretty much everywhere. Our aim is to make the VR experience mobile so that customers can easily carry it anywhere with them. We at Google are also working with developers, smartphone companies, and content creators to make VR accessible to all.”