I bought myself a new Daydream off eBay the other day, thinking I was all set for the future. Now it seems that my future phones may not be Daydream compliant. The LG G6 is not complaint due to it being an LCD and not AMOLED (not all LCDs are ruled out though and Google ARE working on that — it’s a latency issue) and the next applicant to my daily driver list, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is also not going to be Daydream compliant.
If ever there was going to be a phone that was Daydream compliant (spec-wise) you would think it would be the Samsung Galaxy S8. It has top of the line specs in nearly every regard. Unfortunately being Daydream complaint requires the manufacturer and Google to agree to a distribution agreement before Google allow Samsung to insert the single line of code required to allow Daydream to install on the phone.
Obviously Samsung have their own VR system, the Oculus-powered Gear VR, and as such are reluctant to allow others into their Galaxy S8 party. Samsung have never been good at playing with others and in this case they also have their relationship and deals they currently have with Oculus to consider. For this reason it is difficult to see Samsung ever doing it.
It is a pity that the code is not included as having the Daydream app installed opens up a heap of cool apps on the Play Store, apps that Samsung and Gear VR do not have access to. Fear not though, the line of code can be inserted manually, although root access is required for that. Unfortunately this will most likely require voiding of warranty etc.
We will watch this space closely and wonder whether an agreement between all three parties involved can be sorted out. For our sake, as consumers and customers, I certainly hope so.
