Google unveils Android-powered Daydream VR platform

Huawei has already confirmed support for new platform, which was announced at Google I/O

Google has announced a new Android-powered platform to support mobile-powered virtual reality headsets.

The platform, called Daydream, was unveiled at the search engine giant’s annual developers conference, Google I/O.

Daydream will see Google working with smartphone manufacturers to develop a VR viewer and controller for use with upcoming devices. It will also integrate popular Google apps such as YouTube, Street View, Play Movies and the Play store in the autumn.

It will be built on top of the next version of its mobile operation, Android N, which was also announced at I/O and is due to be released in summer.

Huawei has already announced plans to support Daydream, just weeks after the Chinese manufacturer unveiled plans to roll out its first VR headset later this year.

Samsung, LG and Alacatel all took wraps off mobile-powered VR headsets at Mobile World Congress in February, while HTC and Sony are getting involved in the emerging technology through the Vive and Playstation VR devices respectively.