Recently on Youtube blog, there was an announcement about a virtual reality version of Youtube. The new application is available for Google’s headset, Daydream, and supports playing back virtual reality videos. Users say that the experience of watching a video this way is more immersive than watching it on a TV screen. Also, having no obstructions in the way makes the experience more engaging. The Daydream headset is a simple, and cheap virtual reality solution and currently only Google’s new phone Pixel supports it. With the help of Pixel’s motion sensors and fast graphics abilities, it should be possible to place the user in the middle of movies and other entertainment content such as concert videos and games. I think using phones for virtual reality video is a good idea, and combined with other technologies, could provide a new way for us to view images. Imagine using a drone while watching what it sees in VR, or being able to look around your house remotely with two cameras to check what your pets are doing. Google seems to have a good idea here.
