All apps and games to check out with Google's new VR mobile headset
Google Daydream View is the Android VR mobile headset you've been waiting for, and you don't have to break the bank to own one. This smartphone VR headset costs less than $ 100 and for the money you'll get one of the best VR headsets out there..
You will of course need a compatible Android phone for power, be it the new Google Pixels, Moto Z, and Moto Z Force. Trust us, you won't miss your Google Cardboard once you've switched though. It's the closest experience you can get on the Samsung Gear VR. While that means you won't get a PC or console-type experiences, it's still a lot of fun and a good entry into the world of VR.
Google plans to release 50 Daydream View experiences by the end of the year, and we've already been busy testing what's available so far. First here is our choice of apps and games to download for your Google Daydream View..
The best Google Daydream View games
Using the controller or your helmet to aim, you'll find yourself crawling around and killing demons at Hunter's Gate trying to stay alive. The movement mechanism is weird at first, since you're relying on the controller's trackpad, but it gets easier than you do with having a surprisingly good time.
LegoBrickheadz Builder lets you make characters that you can bring to life, build models, or just designate it freely. You can unlock new characters and items and best of all, it's free with not a single in-app-purchase in sight. It's as fun as you would expect to build Lego in VR..
This cute little puzzle is brought to you by UK developer Mike Bithell (Thomas Was Alone, Volume). You play a star looking for astronauts exploring growing planets and plants putting this Daydream motion controller to good use.
There are four carnival-formula mini-games in Wonderglade and all of them are quite fun. If you like Steam's The Lab or Nvidia's VR Carnival, then this title will be right up your alley.
VR Karts is your standard racing game, but a bit more streamlined with Daydream View. You use the controller to turn corners, collecting power-ups to win the race. This is definitely not a Mario Kart VR scam in any way.
- Keep Talking & Nobody Explodes
Keep Talking & Nobody Explodes is already a classic on Gear VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive, and now you can try it out on Daydream View. The basic premise is to defuse a bomb with friends - except you can see the bomb and only your friends have the manual. Prepare to have a blast.
Claro is a charming and relaxing puzzle where you move the sun around with the controller in order to help a tree grow. The levels get more and more complicated but there is no rush and you can enjoy the surreal scenery and the soothing music. A perfect entry for Google DayDream.
The best Google Daydream View apps
Google has improved YouTube and made it much more user-friendly. YouTube VR turns every video on the platform into its own virtual reality experience, meaning there's a new interface that's easier to navigate in VR and more videos than ever to watch the company's planning. on the release of new VR specific content.
This interactive virtual reality experimental film from the Beeb tells the story of a young child and his creature friend as they embark on a journey of fairy tales. It uses the Daydream controller to help you navigate your surroundings and the spatial soundtrack adds an extra layer of immersion when you throw on headphones.
Like The Turning Forest, this animated short was a favorite at the Tribeca Film Festival. There's Eric Darnell (Madagascar) on board as the director and Ethan Hawke providing the narration as you play the role of an adorable bunny who tries to outwit two cumbersome alien invaders trying to take over the planet.
This Harry Potter bond doesn't last long, but there's just enough time to turn this Daydream motion controller into a magic wand to put your spell skills to the test. It's one of the best VR experiences thanks to the use of the same visual effects team that worked on the Fantastic Beasts movie.
This app is like Steam lite's Universe Sandbox and you don't get to create or destroy things. Ok this is the emphasis on the 'lite' aspect, but exploring space in VR is still cool and this is the best app on Daydream that lets you do just that.
Google has released a few clean VR apps and this one is great for art fans. You can explore works of art, artefacts and more from more than 850 museums, archives and organizations around the world that have partnered with the Google Cultural Institute to bring their collections and stories online. There are even options to zoom in for a closer look and factual tidbits if you want to learn more.
With the Wall Street Journal app, you can read the latest news and watch videos in VR instead of reading on the internet. It's a simple and clean interface with a lot of content to browse.
