Get lost in a new world
Daydream has the potential to be the best mobile VR platform. Google built a comfortable, easy-to-use headset and a smart remote that creates a great VR experience for exploring new worlds, gaming, and watching 360-degree videos. And it’s not locked to just one hardware maker.
But any new initiative is only as good as the software. Even in the early days of Daydream, some true gems have emerged that you should check out right away. Google has the money and influence to do VR right, and from what we’ve seen so far things are off to a good start. Here are some titles to get you going if you’re looking for something new or are just getting started in the world inside of the goggles.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
There’s no better way to kick off a new platform than with a tie-in to a blockbuster movie. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is pretty fun, if for no other reason than to jump right inside of the Harry Potter universe.
Playing through the experience is rather slow going, as you need to mix up some ingredients in Newt Scamander’s workshop and then use your remote to cast the spells so the magical creatures stay calm. Die-hard Potter fans will love it, though everyone ought to check it out to experience what it's like to explore such a mystical world.
Fantastic Beasts (free)
YouTube VR
You knew that Google wasn’t going to leave its dominant video service out of the VR action. YouTube VR takes advantage of that 360-degree environment by turning any video into a more roundabout experience by stretching it around your vision and throwing in more menus. The real gems are the 360 degree videos, though of course there aren’t as many of those to be found just yet. However, I find it to be the best VR video experience available, especially since Play Movies and other apps are little more than a flat broadcast inside a VR environment.
YouTube VR (free)
Lego BrickHeadz Builder VR
Don’t let the fact that this is a Lego game fool you into thinking it’s only for little kids. Lego BrickHeadz Builder VR may instead tap into your inner child that will find joy in building three-dimensional creations.
There’s a “magic book” that you can follow if you want some guidance, or you can go with a free-form mode. Another nicety is there are no in-app upgrades to contend with. Just download the free app and get to exploring. It’s also worth noting that Daydream isn’t recommended for those under 13, so you’ll need to tell the littler ones they need to be a bit older before they can slap on the goggles.
Lego BrickHeadz Builder VR (free)
NYT VR
The NYT VR app was available with Cardboard, but it’s more immersive and lends to deeper exploration as a part of Daydream. There’s nowhere else where you can experience standing outside The Great Mosque in Mecca, turn around, and notice a KFC is open for business without actually being there.
There are several other experiences that are tied to current events (like the just-completed presidential election), numerous human interest stories, and opportunities to visit outside of Earth. It’s a unique way to experience the news, and it’s one that’s worth taking the time to experience given you don’t need a Times subscription to check it out.
NYT VR (free)
NextVR
If you want to experience ttrue virtual reality video, then Next VR is the right way to do it. This isn’t like some of the apps that just throw in a screen and some shrubbery and call it a “VR experience.”
This apps takes you inside an NFL stadium, rock concerts, monster truck rally, and various other live events. I was truly impressed with the views, looking around at the crowd at MetLife Stadium as well as the crowds bouncing around during a Coldplay concert. New content shows up all the time, so be sure to come back regularly and take time to explore all of the different video options.
NextVR (free)