While the focus of Google's announcements yesterday was on their Assistant, and how it is becoming an integral part of everything they're doing, the underlying theme, as explained by Rick Osterloh, Google's SVP of Hardware, was that "the next innovation will take at the intersection of hardware and software with AI at the center." What he didn't point out, but what was evident, was the impact that hardware has on content and interactivity: 1. The advent of VR: On the hardware side, Google VR is going from cheap and cardboard (so much so clones are as cheap as Rs 200) to expensive and fabric layered Daydream View VR headset. So what's Google done to support its VR rollout? Firstly the Pixel phones are Daydream-ready: Google said yesterday that the phones have low latency. The phone connects to the headset wirelessly, and "you don't want to think of connectors, cables and wires". Like in case of Cardboard, you open the latch and put the phone in it, and it works. Google said that other daydream-ready phones are on their way. The Daydream View headsets are comfortable: "30% lighter than similar devices, allow for them to be worn over eyeglasses (something that I'm particualrly keen on). They're available in three colors (slate, snow and crimson), but hopefully, we'll see others launch better looking products. Google is giving the Daydream VR headset free with Pixel pre-orders. And it's hand-washable. The controller brings gaming and interactivity: So far, Google's VR was a limited experience, only…
