Google no longer supports Daydream VR project. It was October 2019 when Google took a step back from its Daydream VR project. It is Google’s virtual reality platform for mobiles. The Google Pixel 4 did not offer support for Daydream View, and the VR glasses were no longer sold on the official website. One year later, the death of Daydream VR is official now. Android 11 will not support the platform.
This was made clear by Google on the Daydream support page, where it states that “the Daydream VR software is no longer compatible. You may still be able to access the service, but you will not receive any more software or security updates”. They further claim that “Daydream VR is no longer supported by Google and may not work properly on some devices with Android 11 or later.”
- Nest Audio: a new smart speaker is introduced by Google
- Chromecast with Google TV is here: specs, price and release date
- Google Pixel 5 presented: specs, price and release date
The beginning of the end for Daydream VR began in 2019 when HBO and Hulu stopped offering support for the platform. In mid-October, Google withdrew its Daydream Views from the store and confirmed that the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL were not certified.
In fact, if we stick to Google’s official list, it’s been a long time since a smartphone was certified for Daydream. Without going any further, the latest certified phones were Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and S9+ and the Galaxy Note 8, Huawei’s the Mate 9 Pro and Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. Not a single smartphone released in 2019 has been certified for use with Daydream.
On the other hand, the company explains in the Daydream support website that “many of the applications and experiences of third parties within Daydream can still be available as independent Google Play Store applications”. This means that they can continue to be used in those devices where Daydream works, although the app that was used to configure the viewer and the controller will no longer be supported.
Even though Google saw potential in this technology, the limitations were there. A Google official stated that: “over time we noticed some clear obstacles that limited smartphone VR to being a viable long-term solution. The most notable is that asking people to put their phones into glasses and lose access to the applications they use during the day causes immense friction.
Regarding the driver and glasses, Google explains that “you will still be able to view VR content with a compatible viewer and driver, including the Daydream View headset”, although they remind that Daydream View is no longer for sale.
