Google discloses more details about its forthcoming Daydream VR platform

Built on Android N, Google claims its VR platform will offer higher frame rates and better motion quality

Google, in its rush not to get left behind in virtual reality (VR), has unveiled more details about its Android-N-based platform, called Daydream, that it will be releasing later this year.

The company already trails rival Facebook, which released Oculus Rift in March this year, and HTC, which launched its own Vive VR headset in April with a slew of games available to play via the Steam PC gaming website and app. HTC Vive sold out within hours of its release on Steam.

Daydream was announced during Google's I/O event on Wednesday. It is a VR platform built on top of Android N that the company claims will offer higher frame rates, lower latency and better motion quality and processing compared with the company's current Cardboard "fun and affordable" VR offering.

Google hasn't announced its own Samsung Gear VR competitor, but the new platform will enable handset makers and developers to take advantage of a unified set of specifications and APIs to easily make VR applications for both smartphones and headsets.

Alongside a reference VR headset, Google showed off a reference VR remote control that looks a bit like an Apple TV controller, and which will be made available to third-party manufacturers. This modernised Wiimote uses two buttons, a touch-sensitive surface and a motion sensor to provide basic navigation and gaming controls.

Google announced that firms including Samsung, HTC, LG, Huawei and Xiaomi are on board with the programme phones, some of which will launch later this year.

It's not just hardware makers that have already signed up. Google named content partners including The New York Times, CNN, IMAX, alongside developers Electronic Arts and Ubisoft, for a new Oculus-style marketplace in VR mode for VR apps and games.

Beyond the launch of Daydream, Android N didn't receive much fanfare during Google's I/O keynote. The firm detailed features set to debut in the forthcoming release, most of which we already knew about such as split-screen mode, improved notifications, support for the Vulkan API and new emoji.

However, some new features were put on display. Google highlighted Android N's enhanced security through its use of file-based encryption and seamless updates, and improved notifications that will offer direct reply support and a long-awaited 'Clear All' button.

There's still no word as to when Android N will be released to the public, but Google did announce a public beta, so even non-Nexus (and Xperia Z3) owners can get their mitts on the software ahead of its full rollout later this year. You can opt in on Google's Android website.

There's no word on the operating system's name yet, either, as Google is looking to take submissions from the public.