Google had a high-end, standalone virtual reality headset in the works that was recently ditched in favour of the Android-centric ‘Daydream’ VR platform, a new report suggests.

It seem that persistent rumours of a standalone, Google VR headset may not have been so far from the truth after all. Recode reports that sources close to the company state that, alongside the development of the Android based Daydream mobile VR platform, another project inside Google’s X research lab was aiming to produce a high end, standalone VR headset.

Intriguingly, Recode also reports that the new headset would be built on top of a new, dedicated operating system, which seems an altogether bizarre move for a company that’s spent years building it’s Android OS into a globally mobile platform.

See Also: Google Announce ‘Daydream’ a VR Platform for Android N
See Also: Google Announce ‘Daydream’ a VR Platform for Android N

There are few other details, other than to note that it’s not unusual for Google (or any other large company) to pursue R&D projects that are later nixed and it seems that in this case, Google decided focusing on bringing high performance virtual reality to it’s mobile platform via Daydream was the smarter move. We’re inclined to agree too.

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Based in the UK, Paul has been immersed in interactive entertainment for the best part of 27 years and has followed advances in gaming with a passionate fervour. His obsession with graphical fidelity over the years has had him branded a ‘graphics whore’ (which he views as the highest compliment) more than once and he holds a particular candle for the dream of the ultimate immersive gaming experience. Having followed and been disappointed by the original VR explosion of the 90s, he then founded RiftVR.com to follow the new and exciting prospect of the rebirth of VR in products like the Oculus Rift. Paul joined forces with Ben to help build the new Road to VR in preparation for what he sees as VR’s coming of age over the next few years.