2016 will be the year of virtual reality: augmented reality? Many analysts believe so. And Google doesn't want to miss the opportunity. Already in mid-January the company announced the launch of a new division, which will focus exclusively on the development of projects related to virtual reality. In fact, the strong competition from Facebook and its Oculus should not be forgotten.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has appointed Clay Bavor to head the division, which previously followed Gmail and Drive. According to what we read on Financial TimesGoogle will launch a new smartphone device this year that allows you to experience virtual reality. Similar to Gear VR, the new VR helmet is a collaboration between Samsung and Oculus. Will it soon be in all our homes?
Google is thus betting increasingly on virtual reality, a sector that is preparing to grow from this year also thanks to viewers such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Playstation VR. Already in 2014, Google launched Cardboard, a support costing 20 euros made of cardboard that transforms a smartphone into a device for viewing 3D content. But now the investment seems bigger. The first rumors about the new viewer speak of a body made of plastic bags able to guarantee greater resistance and comfort, with more effective lenses and the presence of even more sophisticated sensors for tacking movements.
However, the research always seems to be at the head Microsoft, with its HoloLens, defined as “the first free holographic device, without the need for cables, phones or connection to a PC”. It has holographic lenses and ambient sound so you can see and hear holograms in real space.