Introduction
Google was once one of the earliest pioneers in bringing virtual reality to the masses—with products like Google Cardboard and Daydream View. But in 2025, if you’re searching for the latest Google VR headset, the landscape looks very different.
So what happened to Google’s VR ambitions? Are they returning to the headset market? And what are the alternatives if you’re looking for a modern, Google-powered immersive experience?
This post breaks it all down.
📦 A Quick History of Google’s VR Headsets
| Product | Release Year | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Cardboard | 2014 | DIY VR viewer using a smartphone | Discontinued |
| Daydream View | 2016 | Soft-fabric VR headset for Android phones | Discontinued |
| Daydream Platform | 2016 | Android VR ecosystem | Phased out |
⚠️ What went wrong?
- Limited adoption by phone manufacturers
- Lack of developer support
- Competition from Meta, PlayStation, and Apple
- Shift in Google’s strategy toward AR and AI
👓 Is Google Working on a New VR Headset?
While Google is no longer active in consumer VR hardware, it hasn’t completely abandoned immersive technologies.
In fact, in 2023, Google announced a partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm to develop a next-generation XR platform—combining AR and VR into one seamless experience.
Here’s what we know:
- Project name: Currently rumored, not public
- Type: Likely mixed reality (MR) headset
- Platform: Powered by Android XR, Google Play Store integration
- AI features: Deep integration with Google Assistant and Gemini AI
- Competition: Meant to rival Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest Pro
📅 Expected timeline: Mid-to-late 2025 or 2026 for release
🤔 Can You Still Use Google VR Headsets Today?
Technically, yes—but they’re outdated.
❌ Google Cardboard (Discontinued)
- Requires a compatible phone and VR apps (many removed from stores)
- No longer supported by Google or developers
❌ Daydream View
- Only compatible with a few old Android phones
- Daydream platform was shut down in 2020
Verdict: Not worth using in 2025 unless for educational/hobbyist reasons
🧠 Google’s Focus Has Shifted to AR & AI
While Google exited the VR headset space, it has pivoted heavily toward augmented reality and generative AI:
- Project Iris (AR glasses) – Google’s smart glasses prototype (similar to INMO or XREAL)
- Google Lens + ARCore – Mobile AR experiences via Android phones
- Immersive View in Maps – Combines AI with AR to enhance navigation
- Gemini AI – Will likely power future spatial computing platforms
Expect Google to re-enter the hardware market soon—but likely with a hybrid AR/VR product that blends AI with spatial experiences, not a traditional VR-only headset.
🛍️ Alternatives to a Google VR Headset in 2025
| Brand | Product | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meta | Meta Quest 3 | Best all-around standalone VR | View Product |
| Apple | Vision Pro | Premium AR/VR spatial headset | View Product |
| PlayStation | PS VR2 | Best for console gamers (PS5) | View Product |
| XREAL | Air 2 / Air 2 Pro | Lightweight AR display glasses | View Product |
| Pico | Pico 4 | Budget-friendly VR alternative | View Product |
🔚 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a Google VR headset in 2025, the short answer is: it doesn’t exist—yet. Google has discontinued its early VR products, but a return to immersive tech is clearly in motion.
In the meantime, brands like Meta, Apple, and XREAL are leading the industry forward with powerful, standalone and mixed-reality headsets.
Want the best headset for your needs?
🛒 Explore the full AR/VR collection at Armni.org
