This site has been archived and remains strictly as a historical reference for developers who actively maintain apps built using the legacy Google VR SDK, which was last updated in 2019 and is no longer receiving updates.
  • All developers actively developing experiences for Google Cardboard should use the new open source Cardboard SDKs for iOS, Android NDK, and Unity XR Plugin. These new SDKs offer streamlined APIs, improved device compatibility, and built-in viewer profile QR code scanning.
  • The Daydream View VR headset is no longer available for purchase as of October 15, 2019. Existing apps on supported devices are unaffected for users who previously installed those applications. It is no longer possible to opt-in to Daydream distribution via Google Play.

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Platforms

Google offers two mobile VR platforms, Daydream and Cardboard.

  • Daydream features high quality mobile VR, ideal for immersive, longer-form experiences.
  • Daydream Standalone features powerful, immersive, mobile VR without the need for a phone.
  • Cardboard features affordable, light-weight, hardware that's easy to hop into, making it perfect for quicker VR experiences.

Key Concepts

Development in VR requires understanding a number of VR-specific concepts.

  • Asynchronous reprojection: Learn how Daydream and Daydream Standalone maintain a comfortable, fluid experience even when frames drop.
  • WorldSense tracking: Learn how Daydream Standalone tracks the user's head position relative to the virtual world.
  • 3DoF vs 6DoF: Learn about the differences between 3DoF and 6DoF platforms.

Technologies

Learn more about the technologies that power great VR experiences both with and without a headset.

  • 360° media is a way to enhance traditional apps with immersive content.
  • Controllers: Learn how the Daydream Controller enables you to explore VR environments.
  • Seurat: Seurat is a scene simplification technology that enables you to take complex 3D scenes and render them efficiently on mobile 6DoF VR systems.
  • Resonance Audio is powerful spatial audio technology critical to realistic experiences for AR and VR.