It seems as though everyone is getting into the virtual reality game. And why wouldn't they—VR is the newest, freshest, most exciting game in town. Oculus Rift opened the door while new units like the PlayStation VR and the HTC Vive headset kicked it wide open. Now Google has jumped into the scene with their brand new Google Daydream VR headset.
The Google Daydream just dropped last Thursday, November 10, and already pundits are stacking up the unit against the other VR headsets in the market. IGN has put together a comparison chart pitting the Daydream, the PlayStation VR, and Oculus Rift, and pound-for-pound, the Daydream can hold its own. It's no heavy hitter like the video game headsets, but it can hold its own.
For starters, the Google Daydream is the cheapest headset option, but then again that's normal for VR units that come with smartphones. The Daydream is available for $79.99, but you'd have to get a Google Pixel or an Android smartphone that's compatible with the headset. The cheapest Google Pixel will run you about $649; other manufacturers that partner with the Daydream, including Samsung, HTC, and Huawei, don't seem to have made these phones yet.
Among other things, the Google Daydream also seems to have the highest resolution per eye. If you use it with the Google Pixel XL, you get 1440x1280 per eye; the standard Google Pixel gives you 1080x960. Meanwhile, the Oculus Rift provides only a 1080x1200 resolution (one screen per eye, though) and the PlayStation VR does 960x1080 per eye.
The Google Daydream also has its shortcomings; it only has 4GB of RAM, and it also has to use an integrated graphics processor. That doesn't mean it's not a fun experience, though. CNet has a quick list of great apps and games you can download for the Google Daydream, including the promotional app for "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them." The Google Daydream is already out in stores now, if you want a taste of the VR life.
