Google Unveils The Snuggie Of Virtual Reality Headsets

Google just announced the coziest virtual reality headset yet: It's made out of fabric (and resembles a certain fad robe of yore). Google's "Daydream View," as the new VR platform is called, is supposed to be softer and more customizable than other VR headsets like Oculus and HTC Vive, which are made out of hard plastics. Not only will users avoid that uncomfortable, unsightly "Oculus face"—think hard lines ingrained in your muddied red cheeks—but also a hefty price tag.

The Daydream is only $79, more expensive than the $15 Google Cardboard, but also way cheaper than the $599 Oculus Rift or the $799 HTC Vive.

It will be available for pre-order in three colors—"Slate" (Gray), "Snow" (White), and "Crimson" (Crimson)—on the Google Play Store in the U.S. starting October 20. Google says it will also be available at Best Buy and Verizon stores in the U.S. in November, as well as other carrier stores and retail partners in Australia, Canada, Germany, and the U.K.

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Google

Made of foam and soft plastic, the 220-gram Daydream View also contains a plastic panel where users can place an Android phone. Currently, however, it only works on Google's own Pixel and Pixel XL phones, though the Daydream has flexible hinges, and should be able to hold any phone that works with its platform.

Though it was just announced today, people are already getting excited about it‚ and its comfort aspect in particular. The Daydream is also designed to fit over glasses.

The Daydream's controller is also unique. "This small yet powerful controller lets you interact with the virtual world the same way you do in the real world. It points where you point, and is packed with sensors to understand your movements and gestures," Google wrote in a statement. "You can swing it like a bat or wave it like a wand. And it's so precise that you can draw with it."

To the VR virgins, this reasonably priced headset might be your ticket to virtually, anywhere. Whether it's used to play games or watch TV, it seems to be a good intro headset, comfortable and accessible enough for anyone to use. Whether you need to watch Netflix through a headset is a different story, but this might be the easiest way to do it.

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