Galaxy S8 Devices Now Getting Daydream VR Support

Updated on

Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus users are finally getting support for Daydream VR. Google conveyed this exciting development in a post. However, the post did not include region-specific availability for the app. Users will have to install the Daydream VR app from the Play Store to start using everything the app has to offer.

Galaxy S8 now support Daydream VR

Google unveiled Daydream last year during the I/O conference, revealing a full-fledged virtual reality platform which comes with the supporting headset. At the time of the launch, there were very few compatible smartphones as per the standards set by Google. At that time, the search giant stated that about eight hardware partners would build Daydream-compatible phones, including HTC, LG, Samsung, Xioami, Huawei, ZTE, Alcatel and ASUS.

When it was first known that there was no Daydream support for the Galaxy S8 and S8+, it was not clear why. Since Samsung and Oculus have their own VR gadgets compatible with Samsung smartphones, the common belief at that time was that the deal with Oculus may have prevented Samsung from striking a deal with Google, notes AndroidAuthority.

However, in May during Google’s developer conference, the search engine giant announced that Daydream would start supporting the Galaxy S8 and S8+ after a software update this summer. Apart from this, no other information was given by Google at the conference.

Even before Google announced the compatibility, some major network carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon started rolling out the updates for Daydream support. However, users were not able to use it until now, notes GSM Arena.

Daydream a threat to Oculus

The Google Daydream view headset has a unique structure and ships with a wireless controller that can be used to interact with the virtual environment with the help of a button or motion control. Galaxy users will get an over-the-air update, after which their phones will be compatible with Daydream.

Recently, the Moto Z and Moto X Force received the Android 7 Nougat update, and with it, they got complete compatibility with the Daydream VR. The Moto Z came out as the first non-Pixel headset to receive Daydream compatibility. Daydream’s gain can be seen as a loss for Oculus, which has a partnership with Samsung on the Gear VR headset and a content store which includes the device’s playable titles. Oculus will have to rethink its strategy quickly to cut down the losses it might sustain from the expansion of Daydream to more Android phones.

Daydream VR differs from the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive in the way that users do not feel the need for an expensive PC. One simply needs to slip the phone into the Daydream to play all the games and use the app stores. Another compelling reason to choose the Daydream over other VR headsets is that it is significantly cheaper than them. It is also available at $20 off the regular price of $79 in the United States, notes TechRadar.

Leave a Comment