Google just sent out press invites to an event on Oct. 4 where it is likely to reveal the Pixel 2 as well as next steps with its ambitions in VR and AR.
Last year Google launched Pixel alongside the Daydream View headset, bringing the Android ecosystem to a higher tier of VR hardware. It was the first major phone-based headset to make a simple motion controller a core part of the system, followed by Samsung’s Gear VR powered by Oculus. Daydream View, however, didn’t fit well.
Pixel featured an incredible camera paired with unlimited full resolution storage on Google’s servers. With Apple’s iPhone 8 and X already announced as well as and Samsung’s Note 8, the Pixel 2 has some high standards with which to compete. The recent announcement of ARCore means it is likely Google will also support the augmented reality platform with its latest handset. A headset upgrade beyond Daydream View wouldn’t hurt either.
We hope Google also reveals details on its standalone VR systems announced earlier this year. Those were expected to arrive late this year but we still don’t know the price or specific release dates, and now would be a great time to detail the all-in-one headsets that don’t require a phone or separate computer to function. These WorldSense-based headsets still offer tracking that lets you move in any direction in a virtual world.
The presentation kicks off at 9 am Pacific on Oct. 4.
