DAYDREAMING

The truth is that no one looks good while using any VR headset, but the Daydream at least tries, with a grey material cover and adjustable head strap that makes it comfortable to wear — and makes it the most stylish headset out there. The only knock is that once the phone is in the headset tray, it’s not sealed in like the Gear VR, so there gaps that can hamper the immersive experience. While playing in bright rooms, I got some glare from surrounding light. The Daydream requires a Google Pixel phone to work, but in usual Google fashion, the company is positioning this as a platform. Eventually there will be other manufacturers creating their own versions that work with other Android phones. The unique feature of Daydream View is that it comes with a ministick controller that has a touchpad and motion control capabilities, designed to help you navigate within games and apps. It’s made for seated or standing experiences, and so far, the experiences are interesting, although not as mind blowing as the more expensive tethered headsets. Google Street View lets you take tours of landmarks, like the Taj Mahal. Won- derglade is a set of kid-friendly carnival-like mini games. Hunter’s Gate is a competent shooting gallery game, but it also shows one of the main drawbacks: sometimes the single controller is asked to do too much, like moving a character and also pointing and shooting at enemies, which can be frustrating. For the most part, Daydream View works pretty well, but at this point, as with most VR, is still about potential and what comes next. If you’ve already shelled out for a Pixel phone, the $99 Daydream may be worth trying, but it’s not good enough yet to be the deciding factor.