November 6, 2019 update:

There's a new open source Cardboard SDK that offers a streamlined API, improved device compatibility, and built-in viewer profile QR code scanning. We recommend that all developers actively building for Google Cardboard migrate to the new Cardboard SDK: iOS, Android NDK, Unity XR Plugin (SDK)

October 15, 2019 update:

The Daydream View VR headset is no longer available for purchase. However, you can continue to use the existing Google VR SDK to update and distribute your apps to the Google Play Store, and make them available to users in the Daydream app.

Daydream App Quality Requirements

Daydream aims to provide users with high-quality, interactive, VR experiences. Designing apps for VR is substantially different than for other platforms, particularly because poorly designed applications or performance issues can make some users feel nauseated.

These pages help you assess quality in your Daydream app through a compact set of functional and user interaction quality criteria. This helps you meet the expectations of Daydream users for high-quality, comfortable VR experiences.

Learn more about publishing Daydream apps in Google Play.

Design requirements

Area	ID	Description
App Design	UX-D1	Users can focus on objects and read necessary text. (more)
	UX-D2	App maintains head tracking. (more)
	UX-D3	App has a stable horizon line. (more)
	UX-D4	Camera movement must be user-initiated. (more)
	UX-D5	App does not interfere with system-level recentering behavior. (more)
	UX-D6	App recenter appropriately with respect to the experience. (more)
	UX-D7	App's forward direction is consistent with the platform's global forward direction. (more)
	UX-D8	App uses a neck model. (more)
	UX-D9	App never goes to 2D monoscopic unexpectedly. (more)
Controller	UX-C1	Controller must be used as a laser pointer when clicking on UI targets. (more)
	UX-C2	App uses hand preference. (more)
	UX-C3	Scrolling through large sets of items must be done by swiping on the touchpad. (more)
	UX-C4	Cursor displays at the same depth as objects being targeted. (more)
	UX-C5	App does not interfere with system controls. (more)

Functionality requirements

Area	ID	Description
SDK	FN-S1	App uses a supported version of the Google VR SDK. (more)
SDK	FN-S2	App uses Daydream API calls to transition between activities. (more)
Manifest	FN-M1	App manifest does not request the NFC permission. (more)
	FN-M2	App manifest sets correct VR activity styles. (more)
	FN-M3	App manifest sets hardware features according to the platform(s) supported. (more)
UI	FN-U1	App hides the Status Bar and Navigation Bar while in VR. (more)
App state	FN-A1	App pauses when the user exits VR. (more)
App state	FN-A2	App closes from VR correctly. (more)

Performance and stability requirements

Area	ID	Description
Stability	PS-S1	App installs and runs without crashing. (more)
Performance	PS-P1	App loads quickly or provides feedback in VR to the user if the app takes longer than 3 seconds to load. (more)
	PS-P2	App maintains high performance. (more)
	PS-P3	App does not display a thermal warning during 30 minutes of usage. (more)
Visual quality	PS-V1	App renders without unexpected distortion when viewed through a Daydream viewer. (more)

Publishing requirements

Area	ID	Description
Publishing	PB-P1	App adheres to all existing Google Play Content Policies. (more)
	PB-P2	App has a VR Icon. (more)
	PB-P3	App has a 360° stereo photosphere. (more)
	PB-P4	App content matches description. (more)
	PB-P5	App is for users 13 years and older. (more)
	PB-P6	App has the correct Motion Intensity level. (more)
	PB-P7	App name must adhere to naming policy. (more)
	PB-P8	App uses correct platform terminology. (more)
	PB-P9	App does not use the Daydream logo. (more)
	PB-P10	App must be able to be reviewed in full (more)

Design Requirements