Lenovo has unveiled at CES a new VR headset based on Google's Daydream platform. The standalone Mirage Solo headset will launch in Q2, along with the Lenovo Mirage Camera for producing 3D videos.
Lenovo's planned headset was first announced at Google I/O last May. The device does not require a connection to a PC or phone, nor any external sensors, thanks to a technology Google calls WorldSense, using simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) for positional tracking. The Lenovo Mirage Solo will also have a wide field of view and an advanced display optimized for virtual reality, Google said.
In addition to the Daydream catalogue of over 250 apps, Google is working to develop more content for the new headset. This includes a game based on the world of the film Blade Runner, called Blade Runner: Revelations. The Lenovo Mirage Solo also has built-in casting support, so users can share their VR experiences on a TV.
3D video
Google also announced a new series of VR180 cameras to produce images for viewing on Daydream devices and Google Cardboard. The company said the cameras offer a simple, point and shoot way to capture 3D photos and videos in 4K. Images can also be viewed in a 'lightweight' 2D version on smartphones, and unlimited storage for the images is available on Google Photos.
The Lenovo Mirage Camera and YI Technology’s YI Horizon VR180 Camera will hit shelves beginning in the second quarter, and a camera from LG will be coming later this year. For professional creators, the Z Cam K1 Pro recently launched, and Panasonic is building VR180 support for the just-announced GH5 cameras with a new add-on, Google said.
The company is also starting a contest to promote VR180 video. Interested participants need to apply online with a story they'd like to see brought to life, and Google will select winners to film their story with the new cameras.
