Google is developing a cable-less virtual reality headset - one that doesn't need a companion phone or personal computer.

The new headsets will have positional tracking, which recognises movement as people walk around.

This is typically limited to high-end systems such as the Oculus Rift from Facebook, as lower-end systems such as Google Cardboard can only detect head orientation.

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Google is developing a cable-less virtual-reality headset - one that doesn't need a companion phone or personal computer. HTC and Lenovo will make the first stand-alone VR headsets using Google's system. Pictured is a teaser of HTC's model, which will be released this year

GOOGLE'S VR HEADSET PLANS Clay Bavor revealed Google is developing a new standalone VR headset that doesn't require a phone or computer. It includes a new system called 'worldsense' that allows users' movement to be accurately tracked. The firm is working with HTC and LEnovo on the headsets, and will reeease the devices later this year. The firm is also developing a new system called VPS or virtual positioning system, for use indoors, allowing advanced augmented reality apps to guide people around stores or help those who are visually impaired, for instance. Advertisement

Google announced the plans in California on Wednesday at its annual I/O conference for app developers.

'We worked closely with Qualcomm to create a standalone headset reference design, which partners can use as a blueprint to build from,' Google wrote in a blog post.

'HTC VIVE, a leader in the VR space, and Lenovo, a leader in mobile and computing, are both working on devices, with the first ones coming later this year.'

Prices haven't been announced for the two new devices.

On stage, Google Vice President for VR Clay Bavor said: 'We asked: "How can we take the best parts of smartphone VR and create a kind of device with an even better experience?"'

The move is a significant step up from Google's current 'Daydream' holsters, which are just head-mounted containers for a smartphone.

Daydream was made from fabric and was cheap, shipping for only £60 ($79), but was hampered by a limited number of compatible apps and the fact it only worked with Google's Pixel phone.

The new, standalone headsets will have 'everything built right in: no cables, no phone, certainly no big PC,' Mr Bavor said.

This allows Google and other hardware makers to optimise the sensors, optics and displays for virtual reality, he said.

The devices will feature 'Worldsense' positional tracking, which Mr bavor said gives 'dramatically improved tracking' of users.

The new headsets, which will be developed by HTC and Lenovo based on a Google reference design (pictured) will have positional tracking, which recognises movement as people walk around

The system utilises 'a handful of sensors' within the device rather than relying on external cameras or setup.

This makes sure 'your view in the virtual world matches that in the real world... you feel like you're really there.'

Following Google's presentation, HTC announced its version of the Daydream headset, called 'Vive standalone'.

FIVE BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM GOOGLE'S I/O CONFERENCE Google made a number of big announcements at its annual I/O app developer conference in California this week. 1) Google Lens: Google unveiled a raft of new features for Android including a radical image recognition app that uses the cameras to give phones 'eyes'. Called Google Lens, it will be able to do everything from recognise a species of flower in a garden to translate menus in a foreign language. 2) Smart photo tools: Google says new tools will encourage sharing of photos that you might have meant to share - but forgot. Google Photos will soon be able to suggest which photos to share and whom to share them with. 3) Visual Positioning System (VPS): Google announced a new GPS-style system that recognises objects around you to work out where you are. The system has an accuracy of a few centimetres, the company said. 4) A better Google Home and a rival to Siri: The firm also unveiled a new iOS version of its smart assistant for the iPhone, taking on Siri, along with updates to its Home speaker turning it into a hands free phone. 5) A standalone Daydream headset: Google is developing a cable-less virtual-reality headset - one that doesn't need a companion phone or personal computer. Advertisement

The headset's website claims it will be 'Simplistic. Lightweight. Portable.' with 'precise movement tracking. Lean, dodge, and duck as you wish.'

When it came to the old, smartphone-based Daydream headset, Google announced that LG's next flagship phone would support the original platform.

Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8+ will also gain support for the Daydream standard headset via an update this summer.

The system utilises a handful of sensors within the device rather than relying on external cameras or setup. In a promo video, Google showed off its headset reference design in action (pictured)

The move is a significant step up from Google's current 'Daydream' holsters - which are just head-mounted containers for a smartphone. The new, standalone headsets will have everything built right in with no cables and no phone needed

Alongside the new VR headsets, Google made a number of big announcements at this year's I/O conference.

The company unveiled a raft of new features for Android including a radical image recognition app that uses the cameras to give phones 'eyes'.

Called Google Lens, it will be able to do everything from recognise a species of flower in a garden to translate menus in a foreign language.

Google says smart new photo tools will encourage sharing of photos that you might have meant to share - but forgot.

In the promo video for the VR headset, a dodgeball-style game was shown in which the user had to evade orange balls being fired from canons

Google Photos will soon be able to suggest which photos to share and whom to share them with.

The company also announced a new GPS-style system that recognises objects around you to work out where you are with an accuracy of a few centimetres.

And the firm unveiled a new iOS version of its smart assistant for the iPhone, taking on Siri, along with updates to its Home speaker turning it into a hands free phone.