Google Daydream View VR headset is now available in India priced at Rs. 6,499. The VR headset has been listed on Flipkart and will include the controller as well. The headset was first made available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany back in November last year.
The headset is being offered on Flipkart with 5 percent off for Axis Bank Buzz Credit Cards and Rs. 300 cash back on payment through PhonePe. EMI options are also available and each pair of headset comes with 1 year of warranty. First 30 customers to buy Google Daydream View VR via Flipkart will also receive Google Chromecast for free, while the first 50 customers will receive a Google Play Store Credit worth Rs. 500.
The Daydream View VR headset functions along the lines of Samsung’s Gear VR and you will need Daydream-supported smartphones for the headset to work. As of now, the list of phones that support Daydream is small with the likes of Google Pixel, Pixel XL, and Moto Z, to name a few and will also come to Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ soon. So, for those considering to buy the headset in India may want to check they have a Daydream-ready smartphone first.
The Daydream View VR headset is made up of a lightweight fabric for a comfortable feel. The controller lets you interact with the virtual world, letting you take various actions with help of motion and gesture sensors and physical buttons. The Daydream app that houses a collection of apps and games for Daydream-ready phones. The YouTube VR app will let you watch 3D or standard 360-degree videos with the Daydream View headset. The Street View app lets you tour over 150 popular real-world places, while Play Movies offers some VR-ready movies. Third-party developers too provide Daydream-ready content via their apps.
Is it worth getting Daydream View?
An interesting fact about this device is that the headset is made with soft, breathable fabric and is designed to fit over eyeglasses. This makes it more comfortable and easier for users to wear.
The phone and headset have an auto-alignment system so you don’t have to worry about cables or connectors. Just put the smartphone inside the headset and you’re good to go.
Google has added the functionality to watch YouTube videos on Daydream View. You can stream any video easily to your phone and watch it like you’re watching the video right in front of you, live. Of course, every video will have its own touch of virtual reality.
Apps like Netflix VR, Google Play Movies, Within, NYT VR, Guardian VR, The Turning Forest, Fantastic Beasts, Labster: World of Science, The Arcslinger, Wonderglade, Mekorama VR, Gunjack 2: End of Shift, Need for Speed™ No Limits VR, LEGO® BrickHeadz Builder VR are available on the headset.
At Rs. 6,499, the headset seems a little bit expensive to project your phone to a larger dimension, technically. Firstly, not a lot of smartphones are daydream-ready, which means your smartphone manufacturer can either release a software update and make it daydream-ready or you’ll be left hanging in the middle.
Since the majority of the users will not be able to make use of this, Daydream might not kick off as expected. Secondly, the applications are limited because developers are still working on improving the experience. At such a price, you expect flawless service and a huge list of applications you can play around with.
