During the second day of the Google I/O conference Director of Product Management at Google Mike Jazayeri spoke about Google Daydream while Erin Teague, Product Manager for the YouTube virtual reality (VR) team came on to discuss the video developments.
Teague spoke of trying to make YouTube feel natural in a VR environment, and also about how valuable the YouTube community is. She said that users wanted to share experiences with community, as such there was a need to bring that community to VR. So, a new feature rolling out soon for the Daydream YouTube app will be the ability to co-watch YouTube videos. Users will be able to have their avatars inhabiting the same virtual space as other users, able to comment on what they are seeing with other users in the same space and customise the avatar appearance.With a click it will be possible join in to watch a video alongside other fans. The presentation used the example of the Gorillaz video, where fans can join in a ‘virtual front row seat’.
Jazayeri said that Google’s goal with the Daydream was towards bringing high performance smartphone VR to consumers. Since the launch of the Daydream eight Daydream-ready devices have come on to the market, with more due out from LG, Motorla and Asus, along with the support that will shortly be introduced to the Samsung Galaxy S8.
Yesterday Google’s big VR announcement centred around its standalone headset reveal, with two new devices set to arrive later this year from HTC and Lenovo that wouldn’t require smartphones or PC’s. These would feature the new Daydream 2.0 platform that includes support of Google Cast.
It’s not currently known exactly when the new Daydream YouTube app will launch, but VRFocus will keep you updated on news regarding it and other updates from Google I/O.
