Daydream View vs Galaxy Gear VR 2: Did Google's VR Viewer Just Dominate Samsung's Veteran Headset? [VIDEO]
Together with the generously-specced Pixel, Google has also unveiled its upgrade to the ubiquitous Google Cardboard, a new VR headset called Daydream View. As its name implies, Daydream View uses Google's new VR-optimized platform, and it works perfectly with current and future daydream-compatible devices.
At its core, however, the Google Daydream View is a VR headset much along the lines of Samsung's Gear VR, which is designed by industry leader Oculus. Thus, a comparison between the two devices is almost inevitable.
Looking at both devices, the Daydream View and the Gear VR are both well-made and designed with the user in mind. One thing that the Daydream View has over its rival, however, is the material used in its construction. Staying away from conventional, heavy plastic, Google has opted to use fabric for the Daydream View, making the VR headset light, comfortable and stylish.
The Samsung Gear VR, on the other hand, is made of hard plastic, and while the headset is still quite comfortable to use thanks to Oculus' design, it is nonetheless far more tedious to wear than the Daydream View.
Apart from the material, the Daydream View also comes shipped with a specifically-designed wireless controller, which functions much like a Wii remote. This way, users of the Daydream View would get to use the device without fumbling for controls on the headset itself.
Also, the Daydream View works with Google's latest VR platform, and with the headset being optimized for the Pixel and Pixel XL, the smartphone's VR capabilities automatically launch once it is attached to the Daydream View. The Gear VR, on the other hand, requires users to input commands on a smartphone before launching its VR apps.
However, the Daydream does lose out to the Gear VR in one notable aspect - field of view. Interestingly enough, the Daydream View has a lesser field of vision than the Oculus-designed Gear VR. Google, however, has asserted that the Daydream VR's field of vision is more than enough for an immersive and excellent virtual reality experience.
