After a busy day 1 of the I/O 2017 conference, Google went into depth about its plans for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Unlike Facebook, whose idea was to use VR to make social networking more interactive, Google showed its plans to get into regular life activities, like teaching for example, and enhance the experience using upgraded hardware and powerful software. Read on for the highlights of the Day 2 at the developer conference.

IMPROVED AR EXPERIENCES ON TANGO

After showing off the VPS technology to the public, Google focussed on the entertainment chapter of the AR technology. Google announced the arrival of the Asus Zenfone AR later in the year, which packs in all the AR tech into a smaller device compared to last year’s Lenovo Phab 2 Pro. There’s a new experience available on the AR platform which consists of a large virtual forest with your own growing tree.

ASUS ZENFONE AR
Apart from the gimmicks, Google also talked about the concept of shared AR, i.e multiple people sitting in a common augmented reality space. A concept like this could be useful for teachers where they can place virtual objects on the desk of each student through multiple AR devices available individually to each student. For this, Google has started a program, called Expeditions Pioneers Program, where developers can opt in for creating AR lessons to be enjoyed by students.

MAKE WAY FOR DAYDREAM 2.0 “EUPHRATES”

Google stressed on its intentions to put Daydream on par with its existing platforms – Android and Chrome. Therefore, Daydream 2.0, codenamed Euphrates, will be a platform specifically meant for improving the VR experience this year. Daydream will be available on selected flagship smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG’s upcoming flagship device.
We already knew that Google is developing standalone headsets with HTC and Lenovo, with Qualcomm already building some reference devices. Google added to this by mentioning the involvement of Android O in running the software for those standalone headsets. It will feature software support for the devices, a way to get VR content front and centre and a way to share content with others.

GOOGLE DAYDREAM 2.0PHOTO: SLASHGEAR
Google’s idea of shared experiences applies to the Daydream platform as well because it will support Google Cast. This simply means that you will be able to share your VR experience from your headset with others on a compatible Smart TV. You will also be able to take a screenshot from the headset and share it on your social timeline.
A new channel by the name of “Discovery” will be available to search for new VR content. You can also check notifications, settings and switch apps from the VR headset’s dashboard.

YOUTUBE VR
YouTube will be getting a VR version of its mobile app. Dubbed as the Daydream YouTube VR app, users will be able to enjoy VR videos easily with a community, i.e. you will be able to enjoy a VR spaceship with your friends in their virtual avatars at the same time. Now, this seems somewhat inspired from Facebook Spaces that was showcased last month.
As for VR developers, Google has introduced “Instant Previews” to help them keep track of the development of VR experiences instantly. They can make changes on their computers and see them near-instantaneously on mobile devices. It's available on Google's editor and mobile devices.


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