When Google official launched its Daydream VR platform with the Google Pixel smartphone and Daydream View headset earlier this year, we knew more Daydream compatible phones were on the way. Back during Google IO, the tech giant told us as much when they showed a screen consisting of several partner companies. Today, in an official blog post by Motorola, we’ve learned that the Moto Z and Moto Z Force will both be Daydream compatible smartphones thanks to the Android Nougat 7.0 update.
“These are the first smartphones from another manufacturer to be recognized by Google as Daydream-ready devices – a distinction given to phones that have been certified for the Daydream platform and are built for VR with high-resolution displays, ultra-smooth graphics and high-fidelity sensors for precise head tracking,” states the blog post. “Daydream offers an unprecedented opportunity to dive into a kaleidoscope of experiences. With Daydream, you can explore new worlds, attend a sporting event or concert, enjoy your own personal cinema and so much more.”
Not only are these the first Daydream-ready phones not created by Google, but since Verizon is the current carrier partner for Google, users that were with AT&T, T-Mobile, and others were left at a loss of options to get Daydream devices. Fortunately, the Moto Z is available with a much wider variety of carriers.
Interestingly, the Moto Z and Moto Z Force are also both the first phones by Motorola to use their new Moto Mod feature that allows easy iteration through the use of attachable accessories and peripherals, such as this 70″ projector lens.
The View is still the only commercially available Daydream headset on the market, but we should start seeing more eventually. When we reviewed the Daydream View from Google we praised the Pixel itself, as well as the affordability and accessibility of the platform, but had our reservations about the View.
The Moto Z and Moto Z Force are available for $699.99 and $720, respectively. The Daydream View is available for $79.
Featured Image: AnandTech
