The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will be announced next Tuesday , but speculation is already circulating about the Galaxy S8, which may launch in 2017. Reports out of China indicate Samsung is using the codename ‘Project Dream’ for the rumored smartphone, which pundits say suggest the device could have automatic virtual reality compatibility, as per Google’s Daydream VR protocol.
Google announced at its I/O conference in May it will implement a certification standard under which Android smartphones can be universally compatible with VR hardware and software. Devices that include the specific features, including a high performance sensor, display and processor will be considered “Daydream ready,” and able to display VR content with minimal latency.
Google noted Samsung would be among the manufacturers releasing “Daydream Ready” devices and products would begin shipping in late 2016. Due to its scheduled August release date, the Galaxy Note 7 may be out of the running for Daydream certification. But the Galaxy S8 would be a perfect candidate for such an upgrade.
The Chinese publication MyDrivers claims the Galaxy S8 may include a 4K (2,560 x 1,440 resolution) display, which is one of the features slated for Daydream compatibility. Rumors for this feature as a Galaxy S8 component first surfaced in early June, after Samsung showcased a 4K smartphone display prototype at the Display Week conference.
Google has not indicated exactly what specs will be included in the certification protocol; however, VR chief Clay Bavor stated in May that no smartphones currently on the market were “Daydream Ready.”
Since then, manufacturers such as ZTE have released “Daydream Ready” smartphones with features including 4K displays and 6GB of RAM. Consumers may see similar rumors surface for the Galaxy S8 in the coming months. The Galaxy Note 7 is also rumored to feature 6GB of RAM, which could be a clue that the Galaxy S8 will have a large storage capacity.
