Google VR SDK exits beta, developers can start building Daydream apps now

Back in May, Google revealed the Daydream platform for high quality, mobile virtual reality. After gathering months of feedback, the Google VR SDK is now out of beta and allows developers to start building high-quality Daydream apps. A partnership with Unity and Unreal even lets existing engines and tools be used to create games.

Version 1.0 of the updated SDK simplifies common VR development tasks and allows developers to focus on building “immersive, interactive mobile VR applications.” It supports integrated asynchronous reprojection, high fidelity spatialized audio, and interactions using the handheld Daydream controller.

Developers can using existing game engines and tools thanks to a partnership with Unity and Unreal. The VR SDK includes native Daydream integration in Unity, which lets games take full advantage of optimizations in regards to VR rendering. Additionally, it adds head tracking and deep linking. Significant improvements to Unreal Engine 4 will help developers build better production-quality Daydream apps.

Developers can start building Daydream apps today and can signup for the Daydream Access Program to work more closely with Google engineers. The blog post notes that Daydream-ready phones, headsets, and controllers are coming this fall, with more information coming soon. It’s more than likely Google’s viewer will be announced at their upcoming October 4 event.