VRHow / Headsets / Google Daydream View

Google Daydream View: the 2016 and 2017 smartphone VR viewer

Short answer: Daydream View was a fabric-covered phone holder, lenses and bundled motion controller—not a standalone headset. Google sold two View generations: the original model launched in 2016 for $79 in the US, and a redesigned 2017 model launched at $99. Both required a Daydream-enabled Android phone and the Daydream app; they did not work as universal phone viewers. Google says View was no longer available for purchase after October 15, 2019. Last checked October 11, 2026.

What the physical product was

Daydream View held a compatible phone in front of the user's eyes so the phone supplied the display, computing and sensors. Google's archived hardware documentation describes a front cover, automatic screen-alignment posts, a facepad and adjustable headstrap; the 2016 model also had a controller-storage tray. The 2017 diagram instead shows a front-cover latch, facepad, strap adjusters and a controller-storage loop. Google's hardware reference identifies these as separate 2016 and 2017 headset designs.

The viewer used an NFC sensor to detect when the phone was placed inside, and came with a Daydream controller with three-degrees-of-freedom input. The controller had a clickable touchpad, app and Daydream buttons, volume buttons, a status light, wrist-strap holes and a USB Type-C charging port. Those are hardware features documented by Google, not claims about battery life or tracking quality. Google's archived developer documentation describes the NFC detection and 3DoF controller; its hardware diagram labels the controller controls and port.

Two generations, not two platforms

Model	Verified record
Daydream View (2016)	Google announced US availability for November 10, 2016 at $79. The original design stored its controller in a tray inside the viewer. Google's launch announcement and hardware reference.
Daydream View (2017)	The second generation cost $99 in the US. Contemporary reporting describes a two-tone mesh fabric, optional top strap, redesigned facepad, larger lenses with roughly a 10-degree wider field of view, improved light seal, a magnesium heatsink in the lid and rear-strap controller storage. CNET's October 2017 report records those changes.

Date caveat: sources disagree slightly on the second model's US ship date. CNET's October 4 report says it was shipping October 14, while PhoneArena's October 5 hands-on says release was October 17. The $99 price and the physical redesign are consistent; this page does not treat either date as uniquely settled. PhoneArena's contemporaneous report is the source for the October 17 date and its account of the added top strap, wider lenses, mesh construction, front cover and rear strap loop.

Phone compatibility is the key caveat

View was not a generic Cardboard shell for any phone. Google required three things: a Daydream-enabled phone, a compatible headset and the Daydream app. The setup instructions also say to insert the phone with its power and volume buttons facing up. Google's setup instructions explain that phone-in-viewer step and the controller pairing process.

Google's historical supported-phone page lists Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel, Pixel XL, Galaxy Note 8, Axon 7, Mate 9 Pro, Porsche Design Mate 9, LG V30, LG V35, ZenFone AR, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. That official list does not establish support for an unlisted Android phone or an iPhone. A phone fitting physically is therefore not enough; certification, the app and compatible software were part of the requirement.

Availability and support status

Google's archived developer page says Daydream View was no longer available for purchase as of October 15, 2019. Google's current help text says the Daydream app is no longer supported and may not work properly on some devices running Android 11 or later. The archived page also records that, from November 2023, previously supported devices could no longer download and install Google VR Services as new users. Google's archive notice and setup documentation support those limitations. Used hardware may still be identifiable and physically usable, but current app access is not promised here.

Sources

Google Developers: archived Daydream View documentation — NFC viewer detection, controller role, Daydream-ready phone definition and October 2019/November 2023 notices.
Google Daydream Help: Daydream View hardware — official 2016/2017 diagrams and controller hardware labels.
Google Daydream Help: Use your phone with Daydream — historical certified-phone list.
Google: Daydream View coming to stores November 10th — original US launch date and $79 price.
CNET: Google Daydream View VR returns — 2017 price, shipping report and redesign details; PhoneArena's 2017 hands-on records the conflicting October 17 date.

See all headset pages, including the separate Google Daydream platform page.