Google introduced its new VR headset that succeeds Cardboard. Dubbed Daydream, it goes against expectations.

Prior to the official announcement of Daydream, speculation was rife that the Mountain View-based firm would introduce its stand-alone VR headset at this year’s I/O conference.

It was believed that Google’s new VR headset will be less powerful than the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive but better than Samsung’s Gear VR.

However, that’s not exactly the case. Rather than pushing out a stand-alone VR headset that is equipped with its very own built-in computer, the company unveiled Daydream as a hardware and software platform.

This Google’s initiative aims to help Android smartphone manufacturers across the globe to come up with their very own VR headsets.

A report from CNET says that Daydream is poised to “become the de facto standard for mobile VR” in a bid to help the new technology to go mainstream soon.

A full Daydream kit is composed of a premium smartphone, a new version of Android with a dedicated VR mode plus a lightweight headset and a motion controller designed by Google.

It is worth mentioning that for smartphones to be compatible with Google’s Daydream, they have to meet certain spec requirements. Google will tag these Android handsets that meet minimum specs as Daydream Ready. At the moment, details are scarce with regard to what the company's required specs exactly are.

Phones that meet the necessary specs are already poised to land this coming fall. These phones will come from LG, Samsung, HTC, Xiaomi, Huawei, Asus, ZTE and Alcatel.

Sony is not included in this list. A report from The Verge thinks that it is likely because “Sony is slow rather than uninterested.”

“There isn’t an Android smartphone manufacturer on the planet that won’t be tempted by this new potential to sell a premium device with the promise of great VR experiences,” the report adds.

Among the companies that are teaming up with Google in this endeavor include Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Hulu, Netflix, Imax, HBO, NBA, MLB, The New York Times, CNN plus The Wall Street Journal.

With regard to the cost of the Daydream kit, Clay Bavor of the company’s VR division said that it will cost the same amount as the Samsung Gear VR setup.

Are you excited to get ahold of Google’s Daydream VR headset? Let us know what’s in your mind in the comments section below.