Sci-Tech

Google working on new VR hardware

Google is getting serious about its consumer VR hardware device if one were to go by the new VR job postings on its site first, the postings were first noted by RoadtoVR.The company is planning to build multiple consumer hardware devices, which could well compete with Oculus and HTC’s Vive. Facebook and Oculus dominate the mobile VR space, both in terms of hardware and dedicated VR content.At present, Google’s only consumer VR offering is its Cardboard program but it is more like a toy than hardware.Google’s Cardboard allows consumers to experience virtual reality by attaching the headset to any smartphone.Now, Google could finally expand that idea with a device, which could match Samsung’s Gear VR.Google also announced its own Virtual Reality unit last week and appointed Clay Bavor as its new Vice-President.Google’s primary job posting is for a Hardware Engineer making it clear that new consumer VR hardware is incoming. It will be interesting to see where Google positions its VR hardware.While Samsung’s Gear VR sticks to primary mobile audience, Oculus and Vive VR come with more sophisticated attachments to make it a full-fledged virtual reality entertainment device. Also Google has its own vested interests in augmented reality space with its investments in Magic Leap, a startup designing AR hardware similar to Microsoft’s HoloLens.The job posting certainly makes clear that Google has wider ambitions, and soon we may see a reality great hardware that complements its Nexus-line smartphones.