Google has announced virtual reality hardware that can be operated independent of a smartphone or computer.

In late May, Google announced a myriad of upcoming virtual reality innovations

At its yearly I/O conference in late May, Google announced its collaboration with Lenovo and HTC to develop a new breed of VR headsets, designed to work without a phone or separate computer, per CNETs Ian Sherr.

In his keynote speech at Google I/O, Clay Bavor, the VP of Virtual and Augmented Reality at Google, referred to these devices as standalone headsets that require no cables, no phone and certainly no big PC. Clay goes on to say that by building every part of the device specifically for VR we have been able to optimize everything. The displays, the optics the sensors all to deliver a stronger sense of being transported.

CNETs Scott Stein also noted that the headsets will have built-in WorldSense cameras that allow some room-tracking and movement, something that other higher end virtual reality headsets can only do with sensors placed throughout a designated room. Because Worldsense is integrated in the headset, Googles new VR will allow the user to enjoy a full virtual reality experience with movement in any room or space.

Previous iterations of VR headsets, like Facebooks Oculus Rift, Sonys Playstation VR, and HTC and Valves Vive headsets, required that the user be connected physically or wirelessly to their PC and consoles.

Meanwhile more portable virtual reality headsets, like Samsungs Gear VR and Googles own Daydream and cardboard headsets, rely on the users phone being inserted in the front as a screen, a costly sacrifice to the phones charge that users need for various other tasks throughout the day. Googles standalone devices may solve these issues with their new dedicated platform.

For now, there has been no announced price and only a vague promise for a release later this year. But, a dedicated VR machine with motion tracking capabilities and no need to be anchored to a PC is a promising innovation in the emerging virtual reality market. With the virtual reality industrymissing sales targets in 2016according to Fortunes Jeff Roberts, an innovation like this may usher in a new wave a virtual reality excitement and reinvigorate sales to their once projected levels.

Here is the original post:

Google Announces PC-Free Virtual Reality | The Daily Caller - The Daily Caller