Google establishes virtual reality business

Google starts its own business division for virtual reality computing. The division will be led by the vice president of product management, who oversaw the development of Google apps such as Gmail, Drive and Docs, but also oversaw Cardboard.

Google did not yet have a business unit that specifically focused on virtual reality, but that is about to change, Re/code reports. The vice president of product management, Clay Bavor, will lead the division. He has previously been responsible for Google Apps and the company’s current virtual reality product, Cardboard, is also under his leadership.

Google introduced Cardboard in 2014 as a simple and inexpensive way for consumers to interact with virtual reality. Many companies and organizations have released versions of the cardboard VR glasses into which a smartphone has to be inserted, whether or not in combination with apps. The establishment of its own division shows that Google’s ambitions in the field of virtual reality reach further, although it is not known exactly what the branch will be doing.

Google faces competition in this area from Facebook in particular, which is heavily committed to VR with its Oculus division, which employs four hundred people. Facebook sees virtual reality as a future platform for communication and sharing experiences and videos. Microsoft, in turn, has the Hololens, augmented reality glasses. Google is also investing in augmented reality, in the company Magic Leap, but it could be years before this company comes with a product.