At Google I/O, virtual reality push sets up future Facebook duel

Google's I/O developer conference will feature a heavy dose of virtual reality and ultimately set up a duel with Facebook's Oculus platform.

Perusing the Google I/O 2016 schedule it's clear the search giant has virtual reality on its mind. The agenda includes:

• Engineering cinematic experiences in VR
• VR at Google
• Spatial Audio and Immersion--VR's Second Sense

Toss in Project Tango, a platform that uses computer vision so devices understand context and the environment around them, and Google's master plan becomes clear. Google is aiming to create ubiquitous virtual reality, cheap viewing devices (hello Cardboard) and contextual experience that'll include advertising.

TechRepublic: Google Cardboard: The smart person's guide

Combine updates to Android and perhaps even Android VR things are getting interesting. Keep it mind that Google's efforts may equate to be a big beta program. I see the potential for VR, but do wonder if it's some odd mix of 3D television, clunky hardware and Second Life (remember that?).

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In other words, we don't know how the VR wars will play out. The only certainty is that VR's primary head-to-head matchup will pit Google against Facebook along with Microsoft. Perhaps Apple enters the game in the years ahead.

Here's a look at Samsung's Gear 360 VR camera

Facebook's Oculus platform has been getting a boost via Samsung's Gear VR headset, which recently passed the 1 million user mark.

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, has a hefty does of VR in the company's 10-year roadmap.

"One reason VR is important is we're working on new social experiences. VR can be the most social platform," said Zuckerberg. "When we get to this world. A lot of the things we think about a physical thing like a TV will be $1 apps. It's going to take a while."

Facebook's view of VR looks like this:

Google's outlook is likely to rhyme (sans the social) and what'll be interesting is how close the companies will be with their VR visions will turn out. With both the Facebook and Google developer conferences out of the way it'll be game on for VR.