The Drum Awards for Marketing - Extended Deadline

-d -h -min -sec

Alphabet Google Virtual Reality (VR)

Google revealed to be working on standalone virtual reality device according to new documents

Author

By Tony Connelly | Sports Marketing Reporter

October 24, 2016 | 3 min read

Google is reportedly testing a prototype wireless virtual reality (VR) device, according to new documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission.

Google

The documents suggest that the new device may not require a smartphone

The Alphabet-owned company’s application to the FCC asks for permission to conduct nationwide testing on the device with its employees, contractors, and developers.

The new device is understood to be separate from Google’s Daydream VR headset, which is due to be released within the next few weeks. The Daydream allows consumers to insert their smartphone to the device for a VR experience.

It’s possible that the new device could be an all-in-one VR headset which doesn’t require a smartphone, similar to Facebook's Oculus Rift.

The FCC documents state that the new device would transmit across a very broad range of frequencies, from 2.4 GHz to 5.8 GHz, suggesting that it has a built in radio similar to its augmented reality headset, Google's Glass, which was discontinued in 2015.

While the documents contain very little detail on the device and its application, Mike Jazayeri is listed as one of the contacts on the fillings.

Jazayeri joined Google in 2005 and has previously worked on Google's Cardboard VR viewer. According to his LinkedIn profile he is currently a director of product management on the leadership team for Google's VR group.

Google has said the prototypes are not intended for use by the general public however that could likely mean that this particular version of the device is just being used as a tester in preparation for an upcoming consumer-ready version.

Alphabet Google Virtual Reality (VR)

More from Alphabet

View all

Trending

Industry insights

View all
Add your own content +