Google Daydream on Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 Plus

DAYDREAM has finally arrived on Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus devices, bringing Google’s virtual reality platform alongside Samsung’s own Gear VR on both flagships. This means Google did good on a promise it made last year, although the company says it might take some time before Daydream reaches all Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus owners.

The rollout, more than expanding both phones’ capabilities, broadens the availability of Daydream as well. Google launched it last year exclusively for the Pixel phones, but now it seems it’s slowly branching to other devices.

Those who have been enjoying Gear VR on their Galaxy S8, S8 Plus will now have another option. The Google Daydream View headset costs $79, boasting its own roster of VR apps and games. Arguably, both platforms work kind of similar, although each does have their own exclusive titles, and of course, they both look very different hardware-wise.

Google announced plans to expand the availability of Daydream this past May during its I/O developer conference. One could say the move puts Google in rivalry with Oculus or HTC, but then again, the Daydream isn’t a standalone VR headset. That being said, mobile VR platforms are increasingly becoming popular — perhaps it’s because they’re significantly less expensive than full-fledged models.

Apart from Samsung, Daydream also works on some Huawei, Asus, ZTE and Lenovo smartphones.