Google Daydream View - VR Headset (Slate)

This headset from Google really missed the mark in terms of its VR capabilities. I had so many difficulties getting this headset set up and it still had a very blurred picture inside. I think the lenses may have been scratched. Overall, this was a terrible design and it felt uncomfortable on the head and it made the phone (Google pixel XL) overheat to the point that the phone would turn off. Such a disappointment.

A must have if you have a Daydream compatible phone

VR has arrived and this is really generation 1 on what we'll compare everything else too as time goes by. This headset is simple. There is not much too it but it has been designed well. There is just one strap to keep it in place and it works well and it's easy to adjust the tightness when it's strapped to your face. The remote is stored inside the headset and works well. Touch-pad, two buttons, motion control and volume are features of the remote. The construction is sturdy and there is not much to it really. It's not perfect but it's great for watching movies when you realize that your tiny screen on your phone can be made to look like an IMAX screen. 360 degree videos and other VR software really take you away to another place. Where there is room for improvement ... MoreVR has arrived and this is really generation 1 on what we'll compare everything else too as time goes by. This headset is simple. There is not much too it but it has been designed well. There is just one strap to keep it in place and it works well and it's easy to adjust the tightness when it's strapped to your face. The remote is stored inside the headset and works well. Touch-pad, two buttons, motion control and volume are features of the remote. The construction is sturdy and there is not much to it really. It's not perfect but it's great for watching movies when you realize that your tiny screen on your phone can be made to look like an IMAX screen. 360 degree videos and other VR software really take you away to another place. Where there is room for improvement is light bleed and the strap that keeps the phone secure in the headset. It travels directly over the power button on my phone causing the phone to shut off if I am not careful. The mini bungee strap can be stretched around the power button, but it's just a little tedious at times. I also wish the field of view was wider but overall it's an incredible accessory and must have to anyone that has a Daydream ready phone.

Excellent entry into VR

First and foremost it needs to be understood that this VR headset is only compatible with phone that are Day Dream Compatible. If you got this, and were confused about not being able to charge it, here's a clue: your phone isn't compatible! The only two devices that are compatible as of this review are the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. Both devices come with USB-C chargers, which can be used to charge the pointer. Also note that the pointer my unit was already charged enough to use it out of the box in the parking lot of Best Buy.As for the experience. Obviously a phone powering a passive headset isn't going to compete with $2500 gaming rig. That's not the aim of this product. Instead, it's a simplified introduction into VR gaming - and a fantastic platform for ... MoreFirst and foremost it needs to be understood that this VR headset is only compatible with phone that are Day Dream Compatible. If you got this, and were confused about not being able to charge it, here's a clue: your phone isn't compatible! The only two devices that are compatible as of this review are the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. Both devices come with USB-C chargers, which can be used to charge the pointer. Also note that the pointer my unit was already charged enough to use it out of the box in the parking lot of Best Buy.As for the experience. Obviously a phone powering a passive headset isn't going to compete with $2500 gaming rig. That's not the aim of this product. Instead, it's a simplified introduction into VR gaming - and a fantastic platform for watching videos. Youtube 360' 3D videos are insanely cool - especially the shark one. Watching full movies on Google Play is awesome - especially with a good over ear headset.And then non-gaming, non-video applications. Did you grow up in another country - and want to virtually walk the streets of your old stomping grounds? Street maps in 360 may just bring a tear to your eye.It's a powerful immersive experience for the masses. Once more devices (and cheaper ones) become compatible with Day Dream, a world of opportunity is going to open up for people who were previously priced out of the VR segment.Final thought: Portability. You can't use your rift or vive on a plane (unless its your private jet with your gaming rig hooked up). With Day Dream, you might look like a total dork doing it, but at least you CAN watch a movie and escape into another world while sitting on a plane. Its fantastic.

Good Entry Point with Caveats

The Daydream View is a decent entry point for VR if you already have a compatible phone. The hardware uses soft cloth-covered materials compared to the hard plastics of the GearVR. This headset and included remote control only tracks rotation and acceleration, so it will not translate positional movement like PC-based headsets such as the Vive and Oculus CV1. The controller has a clickable touchpad along with menu buttons. It would have been nice to have a trigger similar to the GearVR.In terms of software, the main hub is well realized. The support for google apps such as youtube is nice. Games are a mixed bag, but there are certainly some gems like "Along Together" that showcase what can be done with the hardware.Overall, the Daydream View is a nice first step ... MoreThe Daydream View is a decent entry point for VR if you already have a compatible phone. The hardware uses soft cloth-covered materials compared to the hard plastics of the GearVR. This headset and included remote control only tracks rotation and acceleration, so it will not translate positional movement like PC-based headsets such as the Vive and Oculus CV1. The controller has a clickable touchpad along with menu buttons. It would have been nice to have a trigger similar to the GearVR.In terms of software, the main hub is well realized. The support for google apps such as youtube is nice. Games are a mixed bag, but there are certainly some gems like "Along Together" that showcase what can be done with the hardware.Overall, the Daydream View is a nice first step for Google and is a great entry point to VR until the wave of self-contained headsets with positional tracking come to the market.

Good software, not so much hardware

This is a very good vr device that is very polished on the software side -- but not so much on the hardware side. And this can become a very enjoyable headset with some customization.First of all, as many complained, overheating is an issue, I have no idea why google decided to use cloth as the back panel instead of you know, aluminum wire frame that is very good at dispensing heat. I mean I get the front where your face touches, it's very comfortable, but I don't think anyone wears the headset backwards. So to solve that, I cut two pieces from a wine cork and taped them to the back panel to create space. And as I am fortunate enough to be using a Moto Z instead of a Pixel, I removed the back panel of my phone and put it into the viewer. Now there's space between ... MoreThis is a very good vr device that is very polished on the software side -- but not so much on the hardware side. And this can become a very enjoyable headset with some customization.First of all, as many complained, overheating is an issue, I have no idea why google decided to use cloth as the back panel instead of you know, aluminum wire frame that is very good at dispensing heat. I mean I get the front where your face touches, it's very comfortable, but I don't think anyone wears the headset backwards. So to solve that, I cut two pieces from a wine cork and taped them to the back panel to create space. And as I am fortunate enough to be using a Moto Z instead of a Pixel, I removed the back panel of my phone and put it into the viewer. Now there's space between the phone and the back panel. Moto Z's heat are all concentrated on the bottom half of the phone, so I put a fan on my right side to circulate air. And now the phone can safely do its work relatively safely.Another bad design -- there's a reason why every single VR headset out there (oculus, vive) have a head strap across the top of your head. The headset is not that heavy but your phone, which you will of course put into the headset, is. So you either have to make the head strap very very tight, or experience Newton's first law of motion in quite an unpleasant way. To solve that, I took a headstrap that I didn't use in my google cardboard kit, and put it on top of the headset. Now the headset won't fall off as easily.So after doing all that, this headset is finally ready to use. As I mentioned at the start of the review, the software side is very well polished. So after you fix the hardware, it's a very fun device.

Great VR Experience for the Money

If you happen to own a Daydream compatible smartphone, the VR headset is a really great first step into VR. I never sensed any slowdown in head tracking or in the remote. As a product itself, it is impressive. But the product is really nothing more than the apps it supports, and unfortunately the available apps are pretty limited.The Google maps app and Youtube vr videos show how this could truly be an essential piece of tech in the future.However, the game selection wasn't great. (I found one game I bought particularly frustrating, an "archery" game that utilized head tracking to aim instead of the controller.)On the smaller Pixel, the individual pixels are very noticeable. I've heard this is better with the XL, but I was unable to test that. The "VR" apps ... MoreIf you happen to own a Daydream compatible smartphone, the VR headset is a really great first step into VR. I never sensed any slowdown in head tracking or in the remote. As a product itself, it is impressive. But the product is really nothing more than the apps it supports, and unfortunately the available apps are pretty limited.The Google maps app and Youtube vr videos show how this could truly be an essential piece of tech in the future.However, the game selection wasn't great. (I found one game I bought particularly frustrating, an "archery" game that utilized head tracking to aim instead of the controller.)On the smaller Pixel, the individual pixels are very noticeable. I've heard this is better with the XL, but I was unable to test that. The "VR" apps from Netflix and HBO are nothing more than virtual movie theatre viewing experiences which display at an effective size that equates to a very large screen. However, the quality of the movies is severely degraded by the size of the pixels. It might be useful on a plane, but it's not going to be a substitute for anyone's regular movie/TV viewing.Obviously it's worth noting that most of the apps are very processor heavy and burn through battery life (and may also literally burn as the phone gets very, very hot).The price point at $49 is really pretty low considering the tech it features (NFC, Bluetooth), but whether you actually get $49 worth of use is questionable.

Not the Matrix but just a novelty...for now

I bought the Pixel but missed the Daydream offer. When it went on sale, I picked it up. I have been using Google Cardboard for some time and it was OK but having the hold the viewer is a bummer and takes away from some experiences. I was looking forward to having a hands-free unit to try.Pros: light-weight but still can be tiring over time, breathable fabric instead of hard plastics or cardboard, sharp lenses (plastic?), senses rubber nubs positions to center viewer, fits over most glasses, uses NRC to launch Daydream app, spot to store remote, no over head strap, comfortable face pad, affordable (when bought on sale)Cons: the face pad doesn't fit asian face profile well (will be fabricating some foam pads), too much light leaks from the cheek and nose areas, ... MoreI bought the Pixel but missed the Daydream offer. When it went on sale, I picked it up. I have been using Google Cardboard for some time and it was OK but having the hold the viewer is a bummer and takes away from some experiences. I was looking forward to having a hands-free unit to try.Pros: light-weight but still can be tiring over time, breathable fabric instead of hard plastics or cardboard, sharp lenses (plastic?), senses rubber nubs positions to center viewer, fits over most glasses, uses NRC to launch Daydream app, spot to store remote, no over head strap, comfortable face pad, affordable (when bought on sale)Cons: the face pad doesn't fit asian face profile well (will be fabricating some foam pads), too much light leaks from the cheek and nose areas, forced to launch Daydream app every time the phone is inserted into the holder due to NFC (you can disable this from the pull down menu before launching 3rd party apps), tends to droop on the face over some time without the overhead strap. (you can compensate by making the head strap tighter but this causes pressure points over time), no manual focusing for those who need glasses (can be incorporated into software perhaps?), no spare remote or face pads available to purchaseOverall: this is still considered low end as far as VR experiences are concerned but compared to Oculus, Vive, or even the Playstation VR, the price of entry is reasonable for early adopter tech. Google promises more apps and maybe as licensing start to roll out for other brands of phones (right now only supports Google's Pixel and Motorola Moto Z but I have read some Nexus 6 users have been successful)Right now VR tech is not ready to replace my TV or Computer anytime soon but if you imagine the possibilities, there is a lot of just over the horizon. I guess I won't worry about being stuck in the Matrix this year.

Subpar VR experience, but it's cheap

I'm going to start off by saying, I'm only giving this device 3 stars instead of 2 because of the price. If it were over $100 dollars I would give it 2 stars. I bought it today on sale for $50 dollars, and at that price I'll give it a 3.This is a very low level barely even entry level VR headset. It lacks many features you'd want on a real VR headset. The image quality is pretty poor also, that is partly due to the phones having low resolutions, and partly due to the low quality lens on this headset.So lets go a little into detail about some of the key areas.Comfort, I'd give this a 3. The headset is soft with padding across the brow so that is good. However, the strap is poorly designed IMO. It is placed so it puts all the pressure on the brow making the ... MoreI'm going to start off by saying, I'm only giving this device 3 stars instead of 2 because of the price. If it were over $100 dollars I would give it 2 stars. I bought it today on sale for $50 dollars, and at that price I'll give it a 3.This is a very low level barely even entry level VR headset. It lacks many features you'd want on a real VR headset. The image quality is pretty poor also, that is partly due to the phones having low resolutions, and partly due to the low quality lens on this headset.So lets go a little into detail about some of the key areas.Comfort, I'd give this a 3. The headset is soft with padding across the brow so that is good. However, the strap is poorly designed IMO. It is placed so it puts all the pressure on the brow making the bottom of the headset feel like it's about to flip up. And you have to wear the band fairly tight due to how you have to wear the headset to get the picture in focus (more on that later). The only adjust-ability in anything is how tight the strap is. To loose, and the headset will slip down to your nose and the image will be out of focus. To tight and the bottom lifts up off your face. I will say on the plus side that the headset feels to be weighted fairly well.Focusing: I'd give this a 1. The lenses have absolute no adjustments. You adjust the focus of the image by moving the entire headset around on your face. This adds to the comfort problems and why you have to wear the headset fairly tight to make sure it stays in place. It really could have used some adjustments of the lens alone instead of requiring the entire headset to be moved around.Picture quality: I'd give this a 3, and only because part of the problem is the low resolution of phone screens. The lens themselves are very poor quality. You can tell this by putting something other than your phone in the post where the phone goes and look at it. Even when move around to provide the clearest image of the object that you can get, there is still some distortion. And the edges, wow they are horrible. Try to use just your eyes to look anywhere other than straight ahead and it will be out of focus. Add to this that the side of the headset allows light bleed from any light sources behind you and you start getting color wash as well.Available Apps: 2 There just aren't any good apps available on android for VR. And many of the ones I did try had problems. Even Google Play Videos crashes when you try to start it from the Daydream app.Controller: 5 This is one of the few things I feel they really did a good job on. The controller tracks very well, is comfortable and easy to use.Head tracking: 4. Again here they seem to have done a pretty good job with the head tracking. Although, this isn't really a design aspect of the headset, more of the software programming in the phone.Obviously, overall I'm fairly displeased with this product. I expected a lot better from all the good reviews it got. I really don't consider this device any better than a 20 dollar jView VR headset that I got on Amazon. It might be slightly more comfortable, but it lacks the lens adjustments that device has. Even at $50 dollars I'm debating if I'm going to return it or not.

User friendly, comfortable VR experience.

Having come from a VR background of having only used Google Cardboard and a standard VIVE VR setup, I highly recommend this. Comfort wise it's so much better than Cardboard, maybe even the VIVE, especially not having to deal with the cables. The Daydream View is plush, it's not only very comfortable on the face and easy to adjust its also very nice looking and feeling in general. Very easy to pop the phone in, secure it, grab the remote, put it on and your ready to go. As a VR headset it is comparable to a VIVE experience. No latency or tracking issues. The remote works great and the interface is very user friendly. You can use VR specific apps that give you 180 or 360 experience. Its got a video and photo viewer that accesses your Google photos directly and an ... MoreHaving come from a VR background of having only used Google Cardboard and a standard VIVE VR setup, I highly recommend this. Comfort wise it's so much better than Cardboard, maybe even the VIVE, especially not having to deal with the cables. The Daydream View is plush, it's not only very comfortable on the face and easy to adjust its also very nice looking and feeling in general. Very easy to pop the phone in, secure it, grab the remote, put it on and your ready to go. As a VR headset it is comparable to a VIVE experience. No latency or tracking issues. The remote works great and the interface is very user friendly. You can use VR specific apps that give you 180 or 360 experience. Its got a video and photo viewer that accesses your Google photos directly and an interface for using a web browser. This is all running the first model Google Pixel (5") Really the only reason now I would use my VIVE instead of this is if I was going to use it for a game that a mobile device doesn't support -or- if I am going to use it for an extended period of time. I used it for maybe a half hour and the phone indicated it needed to cool down. So you could probably make it through an episode but probably not a full movie in one sitting. (more recent models of the Pixel or other phones may not be so much of an issue, but VR is taxing) Pair this with a set of earbuds or Bluetooth earbuds for a complete wireless VR experience.

Virtual Reality made simple

I must confess that when I purchased the Daydream View, it was on sale and I had two Best Buy coupons to help drive the cost down. The discounts helped encourage me to try it. I'm glad I did.Right now, the headset works with a limited number of phones, including my Moto Z Force. Setup was easy, unpacking the headset, pairing the remote with the phone and downloading the Daydream app, if it's not already installed.I would regard the Daydream VR a work in progress, with a limited number of Daydream compatible apps, I believe that there are about 50-60 at present. There are a number of free apps and I've been having a blast with them. Google Street View not only allows you to take a tour of monuments like the Taj Mahal, it also allows you to go to a specific ... MoreI must confess that when I purchased the Daydream View, it was on sale and I had two Best Buy coupons to help drive the cost down. The discounts helped encourage me to try it. I'm glad I did.Right now, the headset works with a limited number of phones, including my Moto Z Force. Setup was easy, unpacking the headset, pairing the remote with the phone and downloading the Daydream app, if it's not already installed.I would regard the Daydream VR a work in progress, with a limited number of Daydream compatible apps, I believe that there are about 50-60 at present. There are a number of free apps and I've been having a blast with them. Google Street View not only allows you to take a tour of monuments like the Taj Mahal, it also allows you to go to a specific location and tour. One of my first uses was to visit the place where I grew up to see how things changed. Netflix and Hulu are both lots of fun, like sitting in a movie theater and watching your show on a big screen. The goggles also add some depth to the experience. Along with the conventional shows, Hulu also adds a limited selection of VR videos, they are short but spectacular. One of the National Geographic videos put you right in the midst of a herd of elephants and eyeball to eyeball with a bull elephant. That was startling.There are a number of game apps, but I'm not good at game playing so I can't speak to them.I do highly recommend the Google Cardboard camera app. It enables your phone to take 360 degree photos. I tried it outside my place of work and the results were awesome.