Android VR Set To Launch At Google I/O As A Standalone Headset

Virtual Reality has been exploding in popularity over the past couple of years, and Google is no stranger to the technology. A couple years ago they debuted Google Cardboard as a cheap, effective solution for entering the world of VR. According to a new report however, the company isn’t stopping there. Peter Rojas, co-founder of both Gizmodo and Engadget has today mentioned on Twitter that Google will be announced “Android VR” next week as a new VR option for mobile users.

Android VR will definitely be announced next week, and from what I’ve heard will be less powerful than the Vive or Rift.

— Peter Rojas (@peterrojas) May 11, 2016

Apparently this new headset won’t rely on a phone, or even a PC to get things done. Presumably it’ll work a lot like Microsoft’s HoloLens where all the required components are built directly into the headset. Rojas confirms that Android VR will be more powerful than something like Samsung’s Gear VR, but not quite as powerful as the HTC Vive or Oculous Rift.

Android VR has also been reference within the latest preview for Unreal Engine and Google’s own published schedule for I/O next week certainly holds up this news. With I/O just one week away, it’s already looking like one seriously interesting event this year.