Michael Grothaus 07/03/2017 - 3:59pm

From touring landmarks to being in the first row of a concert.

Last November Google’s first official consumer VR offering hit the market. Called Google Daydream, the VR platform was developed for use with compatible Android 7.1 Nougat operating system. The entire system actually comprises three distinct parts.

The first is the Daydream VR software, which is built into Android 7.1. However, in order to use the Daydream software, your Android smartphone needs to have the specs to support VR. More and more phones are supporting Daydream each month with current flagships including Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, ZenFone AR, Axon 7, and the Moto Z and Moto Z Force some of the first to support it.

After you have the compatible phone you need to get the Daydream View. This is a headset that you slide your phone into so you can wear it as a display. Unlike the previous Google Cardboard, the Daydream View features two built-in lenses and has a body made of a lightweight cloth material. The Daydream View also features an NFC chip to help in setting up VR viewing.

The final part of Google’s Daydream VR system is a wireless controller Daydream headsets come with. The controller has a touchpad along with two buttons and a volume controller, which enables you to control your phone and VR software without needing to touch the screen–something that would be cumbersome considering the phone is strapped to your face when using Daydream VR.

Once you’ve got all of the above, you’re ready to go. Now then, what to do with your new VR toy?

Here’s some of the coolest things you can do with your Daydream VR.

Google Daydream VR: Watch Concerts From The Front Row

A really cool thing that Google Daydream enables is the ability to place yourself in the front row of a concert. There are tons of concerts shot in VR now–with most being posted to YouTube. Just find the VR concert you want to watch and load it up in Daydream and it’ll be like you’re actually there.

Google Daydream VR: Tour Historic Landmarks

Google is also melding Daydream with Street view to enable you to put yourself on almost any street in the world. What’s more is the company is working with operators of major landmarks across the globe to film VR tours that allow you to feel like you are actually there. Over 100 landmarks now offer VR tours including the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal.

Google Daydream VR: Get Notifications In VR

While notifications will automatically turn off when you are using your smartphone in Google Daydream mode, you do have the option of receiving notifications in VR. Just open the Daydream app, tap menu, then tap on Settings > Notifications to adjust the settings.

Google Daydream VR: Watch Movies On The Big Screen All The Time

Google Daydream is an immersive experience, which means things feel larger than life. Thanks to the way your brain processes images close to your eyes, Google Daydream means any videos you watch on it will feel like you are watching them on a big screen. Best of all Google Daydream supports apps like Netflix and YouTube, so you’ll never run out of content to watch.

Google Daydream VR: Sporting Events From The Sidelines

Google is teaming up with a number of major sporting leagues to film games in VR from the sidelines. This means you’ll be able to watch them even closer than you could if you were actually there.

Google Daydream VR: Be A Wizard

Of course gaming is going to be HUGE on VR–and Google Daydream is getting in early on the action. It teamed up with Warner Bros to bring a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them game to Daydream that allows you to cast spells virtually–just as if you were a real wizard.

Google Daydream VR: Easily Recenter Your View

One of the pain points of VR headsets is that your view can easily be off-center, depending how you put the headset on. Google thought of this and built an easy way into Daydream to help you recenter your images without needing to take your headset off. To recenter the screen and cursor at any time, simply hold the controller straight out and press the Home button for a few seconds.

Google Daydream VR: Be In A Porn

Look, porn companies are usually among the first to adopt new media technologies. VR is no different. Find some VR porn, strap that headset on, and you’ll soon find yourself in the middle of your fantasy.

Google Daydream VR: Live Like The Little Mermaid

There’s plenty of great content already for Daydream, including the app Ocean Rift. It allows you to explore the undersea world in VR. Trust us: it’s captivating.

Google Daydream VR: Never Lose Your Controller

Daydream is a lot harder to use if you lose your controller. Thankfully Google built in a dedicated slot in the Daydream View headset where you can store your controller when not in use. That way your headset and controller will always be in the same place.

Best Places To Buy Google's Daydream View Headset

If you're in the US you can pick up a Daydream View headset from Verizon for $79!