Beyond Cardboard is Google's Daydream

Google has already announced its next VR project Daydream. It is an andriod based VR headset that will be compatible with newer smartphones and Andriod N. Technologically far superior than cardboard, this headset goes a step ahead in hardware & software optimization for VR.

The next version of andriod is all ready for Google Daydream with a fully functional VR mode. According to Google's initial announcements, there will be a wide range of Apps available for Daydream. Besides YouTube, Google Play Store, Play Movies and Google Photos will also get a VR update specifically designed for Daydream & Andriod N.

source: cdn0.vox-cdn.com

Although, Daydream promises a far better VR experience than Google Cardboard, but it still needs a Daydream ready Andriod N smartphone to work. It is reported that Google will partner with some of the leading smartphone manufacturers to build VR optimized next generation Daydream ready smartphones.

With Google's growing interest in VR technology, it is believed that a new phase in VR research and development has began and it is only a matter of time when VR technology will truly revolutionize computer interaction.     

What to expect from a mobile VR system?

If you are looking for the perfect mobile VR gear, you may want to read this before deciding. Well, its 2016 and there are tons of VR head-mounts designed for your smartphone. But, before expecting a perfect VR experience from a mobile VR system you should be aware of a couple things.

Google cardboard VR (image source: vr-expert.nl)

First of all smartphones are not designed for virtual reality. VR gear that uses smartphones rely on the built in gyroscope and accelerometer on your smartphone for head tracking. It means that your smartphone lacks considerably in terms of necessary hardware required for a real VR experience.
Having said that, this mobile VR technology is a wonderful hack. An ingenious idea that truly helps in promoting the emerging & evolving technology of virtual reality. Simply, this mobile VR system provides just a taste of real VR. It makes users wonder what would it feel like if I use a dedicated system designed for real VR with better content and far better graphics. What you'll find on mobile VR is mini games, demos, a fake 3d theater and some immersive journalism apps. And you cannot create your own VR content unless you buy some additional expensive VR gadget or some of the latest 360 degree cameras like Samsung's Gear 360. Another thing that you should be quite aware of is the power constraints on mobile VR. Running VR content on your mobile drains your battery like nothing else, you will end up cursing no matter how powerful you think your smartphone battery is, because VR content rendering is a very power-hungry process.

Gear VR (image source: pcgamesn.com)

But it should be kept in mind that your way inside the the emerging world of VR is through mobile VR experience. It is so far the best option for VR newbies and starters to first understand the basic idea of VR technology through mobile VR. Google cardboard VR provides the most basic, yet a powerful VR experience. Other head-mounts provide a more immersive experience that use better lenses like the Gear VR.
For those who expect more from their mobile VR systems, it might be they end up a bit disappointed. But they'll definitely realize that there is more to this VR technology in advanced and dedicated real VR headsets but for the time being a bit out of reach.