Google may release a standalone Android VR headset at I/O

Earlier this year, WSJ reported that Google is working on a standalone VR headset. Now former tech journalist Peter Rojas has revealed that the VR headset will be called Android VR headset and will be announced at Google  I/O, which kicks off next week (May 18).

He also mentioned that the headset will not be as powerful as HTC Vive or Oculus Rift, but will be more powerful than Gear VR. The hardware inside the headset will be similar to that of a smartphone. It's worth noting that a standalone VR headset does not require a smartphone or PC to run.

To recall, the WSJ report from February stated that Google VR headset will be completely independent and will not require a smartphone, PC or gaming console to draw power. It will come with a screen, outward facing camera and a high-powered processor. Google plans to use chips from Movidius that use the VR headsets cameras feeds to track the motion of the user's head to provide 'middle ground' experience. 

Google already has an affordable VR headset called Cardboard VR viewer that lets you use your smartphone for virtual reality and 360-degree video experience.