Google Treats VR Right - Forms New Division To Battle Facebook Oculus

From its marketing efforts, Google made it seem like Virtual Reality was a pet project. But suddenly, Google named Clay Bavor, VP of Product Management, head of a new division dedicated to VR. The move is not very surprising because the big daddy of Silicon Valley has a reputation for greatly influencing innovative trends, and surely wouldn't sit this one out. Not especially when Facebook made a grand entry by acquiring pioneer VR company, Oculus.


Google’s VR hardware and promotional methods are extremely unorthodox. Google Cardboard, which actually is cardboard, can be assembled in 3 simple steps, and supports up to 6-inch phones. Presumably the low cost led to 1 Million giveaways by New York Times to its subscribers. Google has also been promoting Cardboard to schools which is a very cost-effective solution that can completely overhaul the way children learn.

Even before being too serious about it, Google has already partnered with GoPro, Nissan and Star Wars to offer 360 degree experiences. The only hiccup Google might face is that Cardboard is smartphone focussed and might not fly with high-end experience seekers. But that explains why, apart from the obvious, Google had also invested heavily (close to $600 Million) in an Augmented Reality company, Magic Leap, that holds a patent for its technology. Weighing these facts, Google is equally armed as its rivals, Facebook and Microsoft.

The simplicity and affordability of Cardboard has harnessed an already massive flock of users. There also is the loyal community of Android users and developers who are exploring opportunities as I write. So whatever this new division is up to, it’s definitely going to have Google written all over it. And that could be more bankable than anything else.

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