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Report: Google's Daydream VR to Launch Within 'Weeks'

Google is reportedly shelling out some serious cash to make it a success.

 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Google's daydream is about to become a reality.

According to Bloomberg, the Web giant is gearing up to release its new Daydream virtual reality service "in weeks," and is shelling out some serious cash to make it a success. Citing unnamed people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg says Google is investing "hundreds of thousands of dollars apiece in virtual-reality films and programs" to bolster its lineup of exclusive content for Daydream.

Some of its big-name content partners include Hulu, YouTube stars like the Dolan twins and Justine Ezarik, along with some unnamed video-game producers and sports leagues.

First announced at Google's I/O developer conference in May, Daydream is a new protocol for VR-ready Android phones and tablets. The idea is that you'll be able to snap your phone into a visor or headset, and take advantage of Google's collection of VR apps, videos, and games. The service aims to usher in a more stable VR experience and bring the technology into the mainstream.

In May, Google called on developers to create apps for its Daydream platform and promised Daydream-ready handsets by year's end. Shortly thereafter, ZTE introduced the Axon 7, the first Daydream-ready phone.

"We are working with a number of smartphone manufacturers to create a specification for Daydream-ready phones," the company said in a blog post at the time. "These smartphones enable VR experiences with high-performance sensors for smooth, accurate head tracking, fast response displays to minimize blur, and powerful mobile processors."

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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