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Forget Android N, ‘Nexus’ VR hardware and Android VR might steal the show at Google I/O

Published Feb 8th, 2016 6:50AM EST
Android Nexus Virtual Reality Android N
Image: Verizon

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It’s no secret that Google is interested in virtual reality. Made out of paper, Google Cardboard is Google’s first foray into VR, but the Search giant apparently plans to release a more advanced product later this year, a “Nexus” of VR headsets, which might be running on its rumored VR-centric Android VR initiative.

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The news comes from The Financial Times, which has learned that Google might be working on a product that’s similar to Samsung’s Gear VR headset. The device would be made of plastic, and will support more smartphones than Samsung’s solution.

The “Nexus-style” product would pack “better sensors” and “lenses,” though the smartphone will deliver “most of its processing power.” Comparatively, the Google Cardboard is made of paper (see a Star Wars version of it above) and uses plastic lenses to deliver VR content from a smartphone.

The device could be unveiled at Google I/O later this year, likely alongside a specialized version of AndroidAndroid VR – that would bring virtual reality powers to Android, and with it, support to third-party apps. Developers would be able to add VR features to their apps, if they so desire. Comparatively, Google Cardboard’s VR uses a specialized app to deliver VR content.

Finally, let’s also not forget that Google has plans for VR content creation as well – the Jump project it unveiled last year at the same event.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.