Google’s upcoming VR headset, or at least a VR headset designed by Google, could end up being controlled by a connected smartphone according to the diagrams in a recently published patent. If the design looks somewhat familiar that’s because LG has a similarly designed VR headset option that it unveiled alongside its LG G5 back during Mobile World Congress, of course there are still some fairly noticeable differences between LG’s headset and the one that Google has in this patent, not the least of which seems to be the size of the headset as it looks like the size of the Gear VR, where LG’s was more compact with foldable sides that would extend out and rest over the ears like sunglasses when the headset was being worn.
In regards to the connection, though, Google’s and LG’s designs aren’t too far off from each other as they both connect to the headset though a cable, but judging by the design alone that’s where the similarities may end, as Google’s patent clearly shows the VR headset being controlled by the connected phone, where LG’s VR headset that was unveiled with the LG G5 is controlled by the movement of the wearer’s head and by using buttons that are placed on the top of the headset.
Although this patent shows the headset being connected and controlled by a smartphone through a cable, there’s nothing to suggest that Google wouldn’t decide to change things up before a launch and make the connection wireless if possible. There’s also nothing to suggest that this headset design would even make it to production followed by a launch, as it could simply end up being a patent that they filed for and wanted ownership of in the event they decided to use it. According to the report, this patent was recently published on September 15th, so it’s possible and likely that this is not the Daydream VR headset that’s expected to receive an announcement next month on October 4th alongside the Pixel and Pixel XL, but potentially a new headset that Google could be working on or planning to work on.