Google Search designer Jon Wiley moves to lead role on virtual reality tech
The lead designer on Google Search has taken up a new position as the lead designer on Cardboard, the company's low-cost, smartphone-based virtual reality headset project.
Jon Wiley's jump was first revealed on Monday via his Twitter profile, and the move was later confirmed by Google to Fast Company. No official reason for the change has been given, nor is there any indication of who might replace Wiley, or even exactly when he departed.
Cardboard is an extremely simple product on the surface, simply a frame for a smartphone made out of cardboard, velcro, and plastic. Google has also developed an SDK for developers however, and a number of Cardboard-ready apps can be downloaded from Google Play.
One possibility is that Google has significant plans for virtual reality, and that Wiley's transition is the first step towards developing a serious commercial product. Companies such as Sony, Samsung, HTC, and Facebook's Oculus are all making major investments in VR, now that the technology is powerful and affordable enough to be practical.
In February, Apple opened up a handful of VR-related job positions, suggesting that it too is exploring possible products. That same month the company secured a patent on a headset using an iPhone as a display, in some respects similar to Cardboard or Samsung's Gear VR.
Jon Wiley's jump was first revealed on Monday via his Twitter profile, and the move was later confirmed by Google to Fast Company. No official reason for the change has been given, nor is there any indication of who might replace Wiley, or even exactly when he departed.
Cardboard is an extremely simple product on the surface, simply a frame for a smartphone made out of cardboard, velcro, and plastic. Google has also developed an SDK for developers however, and a number of Cardboard-ready apps can be downloaded from Google Play.
One possibility is that Google has significant plans for virtual reality, and that Wiley's transition is the first step towards developing a serious commercial product. Companies such as Sony, Samsung, HTC, and Facebook's Oculus are all making major investments in VR, now that the technology is powerful and affordable enough to be practical.
In February, Apple opened up a handful of VR-related job positions, suggesting that it too is exploring possible products. That same month the company secured a patent on a headset using an iPhone as a display, in some respects similar to Cardboard or Samsung's Gear VR.
Comments
As opposed to a real View-master.
http://www.geek.com/news/the-new-view-master-is-a-30-google-cardboard-headset-1615735/
And the evil empire has already added it as if it were exactly that. (BTW I knew you meant the original Vew-Master to some new iteration).
IMO, VR is still a dead end. Augmented Reality (AR) has a bit more promise, but none of these things will take off until the glasses (or visor) is as light as a regular pair of glasses.
Quick Developers, flock in your droves to write for a device...which nobody wants to pay for!
Hooray! Now I can stick a giant phone on my head and spin around like a crazy person playing games inexpensively. Excelsior!
Looks like a homemade View-Master.
As opposed to a real View-master.
http://www.geek.com/news/the-new-view-master-is-a-30-google-cardboard-headset-1615735/
Is that a real ViewMaster or a Sears ViewMaster? Apologies to Frank Zappa et Cosmik Debris & Camarillo Brillo.
Is that a real ViewMaster or a Sears ViewMaster? Apologies to Frank Zappa et Cosmik Debris & Camarillo Brillo.
It's actually Mattel's new View-master using Google Cardboard tech. Makes sense, huh?
Way back in the 60's it used to be said "If it costs like hell it must be Mattel!".
I did read about the Mattel 'product' and do agree that it makes sense. I just couldn't help but be reminded of Zappa's lyrics "Is that a real poncho or a Sears poncho?" also.
You need to change your username to 'Damn_I'm_Old'
Way back in the 60's it used to be said "If it costs like hell it must be Mattel!".
I did read about the Mattel 'product' and do agree that it makes sense. I just couldn't help but be reminded of Zappa's lyrics "Is that a real poncho or a Sears poncho?" also.
You need to change your username to 'Damn_I'm_Old'
Try as I will I just can't slow this thing down -- still feel like I'm in my 30's but my Drivers Lic. sez 50's (I also have a good memory as I was in 1st grade when my Dad said that).
I know exactly how you. It really stings the first time a young lady calls you an 'old man'.
Oh that's bad!
It would be awesome if this was also the box it was shipped in, simply folded inside out.
It depends on who made it. (it is publicly available for anyone to make and sell)
The one I got you open and flip all the pieces around.
Just a couple of bucks. Surprised me how well it worked for a cheap thing. The 3d images look great and head movement tracks. The Zombie shooter is fun. Everyone in the office had to try the roller coaster. The virtual tour demo of The Palace of Versailles is cool too.
But I don't think cardboard will be anything other than a "neat toy".