Today Google revealed the Daydream View VR-headset together with two Pixel phones that are able to power this hardware. With this VR-headset Google is set to take over the leading position of Samsung in mobile virtual reality technology. The Daydream View VR-headset will cost the customer only $79 when it’s available in November, which is $21 less than what Samsung’s Gear VR sells for ($100). Where the original Daydream VR had some resemblance to the Oculus Rift, this new VR-headset is rather unique due to its fabric-clad exterior. Google came by this design by simply looking at what people wear in real-life, they decided to give it this unique look using soft microfibers, just like in athletic wear. For the design Google actually partnered with clothing designers to optimize the look and feel of the VR-headset. Eventually the headset will be available in three colors (Slate, Snow and Crimson), but in the beginning there will only be a Slate color.

Compared to similar devices, such as the Samsung Gear VR, Google’s VR-headset will weigh 30% less and is based on simplicity and ease of use. Next to this, the device works great when users wear eyeglasses. When in use, the VR-headset has a wireless connection with the smartphone, and when out of use, the controller can be kept in the department where the smartphone normally sits. According to Ron Amadeo one downside compared to the Samsung Gear VR is that there is nothing that centers the phone when it’s in the VR-headset. The left and right half of the screen can be misaligned with the left and right eye of the user, and because of this the VR-headset might not work optimally. So it is important to check whether the phone is put correctly in the headset or not before closing.

Google already has Google Cardboard (made out of carton), which works with virtually every phone, since it only works with simple apps and 360-degree videos. However, the Daydream View VR demands ‘fast-response’ displays and powerful processors in order to work properly. That’s why Google also revealed two Pixel phones that meet these requirements. What stands out is that Google’s Daydream View VR and Pixel phones won’t be the only hardware available, since it is part of a wider Daydream VR platform. Others that are allowed to produce Daydream VR hardware are LG, Huawei, HTC, Lenovo and Samsung. Google actually shared their design of the Daydream View VR with partners, so probably more VR-headsets will be revealed through this platform.

References:
Chacos, B. (2016). GOOGLE’S FABRIC-CLAD DAYDREAM VIEW HEADSET AIMS TO MAKE MOBILE VR EASY-PEASY. Available at: http://www.itnews.com/article/3127594/virtual-reality/googles-fabric-clad-daydream-view-headset-aims-to-make-mobile-vr-easy-peasy.html [Accessed 04 October 2016].

Amadeo, R. (2016). Google’s “Daydream View” VR headset is smartphone-powered VR for $79. Available at: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/10/googles-daydream-view-vr-headset-is-smartphone-powered-vr/ [Accessed 04 October 2016].

In 2020 your car will be able to do a lot more than just driving, it will for example pay for your parking fees and gas. How will your car perform these kinds of tasks? Because it’s Wi-Fi-connected!

In the coming four years, the total number of cars and trucks that are connected will increase to 220 million, what also leads to an increase in the delivery of digital content. As already stated above, cars can pay for gas or your parking fees. An example is Audi Connect, this program is already three years old now, but is based on the same idea. It connected cars with the parking lots’ service, due to this the driver could see where the area lots where located, could raise parking barriers and the program automatically paid for the parking fee. On top of this, the driver received real-time pricing information of nearby gas stations.
Wi-Fi-connected cars will also lead to an increase in automated driving functions, such as collision avoidance, modifying cruise control and warnings when the driver leaves their lane. In order to perform these kinds of tasks, they must be equipped with sensing technologies like radar systems and cameras. The connected cars will detect objects in their direct surroundings with the use of image detection, hereby, the cars can provide more advanced reactions or have autonomous control. Cars will even be able to communicate with other cars and the infrastructure in their environment, called respectively vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. An example of vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is when your car informs you about a traffic light that is green at the moment, but will turn red in a second.

Just a while ago, Audi, BMW and Daimler formed a partnership with a number of large tech firms to develop a 5G network for vehicle communications which will improve self-driving technology. According to Mearian the data rates will go up to 1Gbps, this means that an increased number of devices can simultaneously be connected on the same network.

With cars becoming more and more connected over the coming years, hackers have to be taken into account. Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released some security recommendations to the automotive industry for these highly connected cars. The federal government stated for instance that the driver should be informed about privacy and security issues, such as the collection, use and sharing of data. In reaction to this increase of potential cybersecurity flaws, Volkswagen announced that it will start a cybersecurity company.

The Wi-Fi-connected cars will be able to perform many functions that will lead to a better integration of ‘in-vehicle systems’. This connected vehicle technology will result in big opportunities and disruptions in this industry, don’t you think?

References:

Mearian, L. (2016). BY 2020, YOUR WI-FI-CONNECTED CAR WILL PAY FOR PARKING, GAS. Available at: http://www.itnews.com/article/3126153/car-tech/by-2020-your-wi-fi-connected-car-will-pay-for-parking-gas.html [Accessed 03 Oct. 2016].

Mearian, L. (2016). AUDI, BMW AND DAIMLER PARTNER WITH TECH FIRMS TO DRIVE 5G INTO CARS. Available at: http://www.itnews.com/article/3124419/car-tech/audi-bmw-and-daimler-partner-with-tech-firms-to-drive-5g-into-cars.html [Accessed 03 Oct. 2016].