Google Daydream View 2017

VERDICT

A fun way to experience VR through your phone, but this headset is only a minor improvement on last year’s

- David Ludlow

GOOGLEMADE ITS first foray into VR with the fun and cheap Cardboard, before having a more professional go with the Daydream View headset. This year, the company is back with a revamped Daydream View.

As with the original, Daydream View works with an existing handset, which you slip into the front to act as the screen and brains of the VR experience. Last year, only the Google Pixel and Pixel XL were compatible with the headset, but this year you have the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, plus handsets from Asus and Motorola. The list of compatible headsets is, at last, growing.

MATERIAL WORLD

From the outside, there doesn’t appear to be much different in this version of Daydream View compared to the original. It’s all in the feel. Whereas last year’s headset used a kind of jersey material (the type that’s used for bedding sets that supermarkets bundle up into a soft bag), this year Google has gone for a firmer, harder-wearing fabric.

It’s a good move, as this is a device that you’ll wear for a while and, frankly, sweat into. More durable and less absorbent material thus makes for a nicer experience for all. There’s a choice of colours, too, with fog (light grey), charcoal and coral (bright red) options.

Google has added a third strap this year, looping over the top of your head. We never had a problem with the old headset being too difficult to keep in place, but the extra strap at least gives more comfort options.