Google is working on a new virtual reality headset

Allegedly, Google is working on a new smartphone-focused virtual reality headset. Its own operating system will also be geared towards better support for this type of technology in the future. 

Better software and hardware

Google’s own Google Cardboard is a cheap alternative to the virtual reality goggles, but its goal is to improve the design of those particular goggles. It would become a plastic device, with better lenses and sensors, similar to the Gear VR – a device launched by its competitor Samsung.

This new type of virtual reality headset will probably hit the market later this year, alongside new Android software which should support virtual reality better (and more). 

With an increased Android focus on VR technology, Google hopes to compete with companies like Oculus and HTC. These competitors already have their own virtual reality goggles, even though Google’s device is much cheaper, while the others are meant for gamers with a powerful computer. Google on the other hand focuses on smartphone users. 

First launched in 2014, more than 5 million Google Cardboard devices have now been sold, much better than Google’s own forecast.