Google at its hardware event earlier this month unveiled the new Pixel smartphones and also showcased the brand new Daydream View VR headset. The company’s second virtual reality headset has been priced at $79, and requires a Daydream-ready smartphone to work. Now, Google in an attempt to bolster its virtual reality ecosystem has released the Daydream Keyboard app for VR typing. The new app is now available to download via Google Play. The Daydream Keyboard app for Android is only compatible with Daydream-ready phones, and this means, the app will work with Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones as of now.
The Google Play listing for the Keyboard app says that the app is for text entry in Daydream apps and “some Daydream apps will not work if you uninstall Daydream Keyboard.” The screenshots on Google Play show that the interface of the Daydream Keyboard app is slightly different from regular keyboard apps and has alphabets in the middle while the number panel is housed on the right. The Daydream Keyboard has evidently been built to work with virtual reality headsets.
Google at the unveiling marketed the new Daydream View VR headset as designed and developed by Google and was the company’s first Daydream-ready headset and controller. The new Daydream View headset is built out of wearable-style fabrics and is said to be 30 percent lighter than similar headsets. The Daydream View comes with an auto-alignment system for compatible phones as well. The Daydream View controller sports sensors and is capable of understanding movements and gestures.
For Daydream View, Google will make immersive video content available to users from creators including Buzzfeed, PrankvsPrank, Meredith Foster, CollegeHumor, Tastemade, UnboxTherapy and VSauce2. It will be available in Snow, Slate, and Crimson colours, and will go on sale in November. Google has also announced that it will give away free Daydream View units to people who pre-book the Pixel phones in the US.
