Google Officially Ends Support for Daydream VR Platform
Google has quietly discontinued support for its mobile-focused Daydream VR platform, as first reported by Android Police. The company confirmed it will no longer provide software updates, and the platform may become incompatible with Android 11 and future OS versions.
The Decline of Google’s VR Ambitions
This move comes as no surprise to industry observers. After aggressive launches in 2016-2017, Google gradually shifted focus away from virtual reality. The Daydream platform, similar to Samsung’s Gear VR, allowed users to insert compatible smartphones into a headset for VR experiences.
Key factors in Daydream’s demise:
- Lack of hardware updates (no new View headsets since launch)
- Minimal investment in content ecosystem
- Failed third-party partnerships (like Lenovo’s Mirage Solo)
The AR Pivot and Changing Priorities
Google’s VR retreat accelerated after:
- Apple’s 2017 ARKit announcement, which shifted industry focus to augmented reality
- Google’s own transition from Tango to ARCore for mobile AR development
- Declining consumer interest in mobile VR solutions
Why Google Abandoned VR
Several strategic factors contributed to this decision:
- Limited market traction compared to core search/advertising business
- Resource allocation favoring more promising technologies
- Facebook’s dominance in VR through Oculus investments
The Future of VR Without Daydream
While Google exits the VR space:
- Oculus continues advancing standalone VR hardware
- Enterprise VR applications gain traction
- The technology remains niche despite quality improvements
This shutdown marks the end of Google’s most visible consumer VR initiative, leaving questions about the company’s future role in immersive technologies. The move reflects broader industry challenges in making VR mainstream beyond gaming and specialized applications.
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