VR fishing game ‘Bait’ comes to Google Daydream

The virtual reality fishing game Bait by Resolution Games is making its way to the Google Daydream headset. First launched for the Samsung Gear VR back in March, the game has reportedly earned one million players according to the developers. It’s a great number especially for the fledgling industry and the game costs US$8 on the Play Store.

According to Resolution Games Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Tommy Palm, “we now look forward to making the game available for the growing audience on Daydream, while adding the ability to use the motion controller for casting and reeling in fish, which adds a whole new layer to the game’s immersion within VR.” Whether it would do as well on the Daydream platform remains to be seen. But fishing fans might be able to enjoy this one.

Source: VentureBeat

Google opens app development for Daydream VR to all developers

In order to make a new technology or segment attractive to consumers, there needs to be a lot of good things going for it. In the case of virtual reality and VR headsets, there needs to be a lot of content or experiences to be had with these devices. To get more content, it’s necessary to get more partners. And so, Google is finally opening its doors to developers to create apps for its own VR platform. A new page on the company’s developer site shows the steps developers need to take to let them share Daydream-ready apps on the Play Store.

One of the key steps for developers to have their app published on Daydream Home and Google Play VR is to opt into the Daydream program. Once they do and once all the steps have been met, the Daydream team will then review the app created to see if it meets all the criteria.

Source: 9 to 5 Google

Moto Z and Z Force get Nougat update & Daydream VR support

You should keep your eyes peeled and glued on your screen (okay, not really) but important updates for Moto Z and Moto Z Force users are coming soon. First, Android 7.0 Nougat is coming to both devices. Verizon users will be the first one to get the updated but it should head this way soon. Aside from that, both smartphones will be certified Daydream-compatible, making them the first non-Pixel devices to have the support for Google’s Daydream View VR headset.

These are the Daydream VR hardware requirements

If you’re curious what kinds of phone will work with Google’s Daydream VR experience, Google released the Android 7.0 Compatibility Definition Document that shows in detail the criteria phones must meet to run in “high performance” VR mode.

And while the documents outline the exact numbers involving display latency, video capabilities, and OpenGL features, Android Central outlined the basic specs you will see: Bluetooth 4.2 LE, displays between 4.7 and 6 inches, at least 1080p @ 60Hz resolution display with 3ms or less latency and 5ms or less persistence (with Quad HD or higher recommended), OpenGL ES 3.2 and Vulkan, capable of decoding two instances of 60fps video simultaneously, consistent 60fps rendering, and temperature sensors capable of reading device surface temperature. At the moment only the Google Pixel and Pixel XL are considered Daydream-ready but we are expecting more devices from other Android manufacturers soon.