When Samsung launched its new Galaxy S8 and S8+ handsets, it was unsurprisingly compatible with the company’s 2017 Gear VR and Controller devices. However given that it is an Android phone, we’re sure some of you guys might be wondering whether or not it is compatible with Google’s Daydream VR platform.
The bad news is that it isn’t, at least that’s according to a report from the folks at VRHeads. Trying to install the Daydream app on the phone will result in a message that reads, “a compatible version is missing”. However there is some good news is that if you don’t mind rooting your phone and adding a single line of code to your system permission files, you will be able to get it up and running with Daydream.
It is unclear why the handsets aren’t Daydream compatible considering that its specs certainly do meet the requirements and more. However it has been speculated that maybe Samsung’s partnership with Oculus could be the reason why Daydream support isn’t available for now. We’re not sure if that will ever change, so maybe don’t hold your breath.
However like we said, all it takes is a slight tweak to your system’s permission files and that problem goes away, that is if only you’re comfortable with rooting your phone and making these changes. If you don’t have an issue with that, then check out VRHead’s guide on how to do it, but proceed at your own risk!
Filed in . Read more about Daydream, Galaxy S8, Google, Samsung and Virtual Reality (VR).
