Google wants to make its own VR hardware, could it involve Magic Leap?

Not content with Cardboard, Google wants to enter the VR game in earnest...but what about Magic Leap?

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With the VR boom steadily inching forward on the horizon, search titan Google has reportedly made plans to enter the new arena with its very own consumer-grade virtual reality hardware. A few new job listings suggest that Google wants to bolster its not-so-secret virtual reality division with key talent, and has even recruited ex-Vine exec Jason Toff to work on VR.

Google wants to make its own VR hardware, could it involve Magic Leap? | TweakTown.com

Google Cardboard isn't on anyone's minds when VR is mentioned; instead it's all about the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or the PlayStation VR. Even Samsung's Gear VR headset beats the no-frills Cardboard. It looks like Google wants to change all that and become a leading competitor with its own mass-produced VR hardware. Google has posted a few recent job listings that give clues about the division itself.

According to RoadtoVR, the company is looking for a whole manner of VR specialists, including a Hardware Engineering Technical Lead Manager, an Engineer Project Specialist, an Electrical Hardware Engineer, and a PCB Layout Engineer.

The company has already snapped ex-Vine boss Jason Toff to work on the virtual reality division. Toff left the social media giant after key execs were shuffled around.

Remember that Google has partnered up with the mysterious Augmented Reality firm Magic Leap, so Google's VR headset--if it is a headset--might unify both VR and AR to do some pretty amazing things. MagicLeap uses holograms to blend real-life with simulated AR with tech called a "Dynamic Digitized Lightfield", which are then perceived by wearers of the headset.

Now that YouTube supports VR/360-degree video playback, Google has a nice crop of content software to go hand-in-hand with its own VR headset. I can't help but wonder what kinds of amazing tech that Google will cook up in its behind-the-scenes labs, especially with the help of Magic Leap AR.

Personally, I don't think Google's VR hardware will be gaming-focused like the Oculus Rift or Vive VR, and may instead push towards more unique, dynamic experiences.

NEWS SOURCE:roadtovr.com

Derek joined the TweakTown team in 2015 and has since reviewed and played 1000s of hours of new games. Derek is absorbed with the intersection of technology and gaming, and is always looking forward to new advancements. With over six years in games journalism under his belt, Derek aims to further engage the gaming sector while taking a peek under the tech that powers it. He hopes to one day explore the stars in No Man's Sky with the magic of VR.

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