Daydream, Google’s platform for virtual reality, is one of the new features that were included in the Android 7.1 Nougat update. Through Daydream, users will be able to watch 360-degree videos, play VR games, and watch movies in a VR cinema, when used alongside a compatible VR headset.
However, the current devices that are compatible with Daydream are only Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, along with the Moto Z, Moto Z Droid and Moto Z Force Droid of Motorola, cutting off many interested users from trying out the virtual reality platform.
Redditor Launches Daydream On Nexus 5X
The restriction on which smartphones currently support the Daydream VR platform did not stop Redditor CharaNalaar from trying to get the platform to run on his device though. On a thread in the Android sub-Reddit, he reported that he was able to get the entire Daydream app to run on the Nexus 5X, which was released last year.
The opening post of the thread detailed the process through which Daydream was launched on the Nexus 5X. The method, however, requires that the smartphone should be rooted and running Android 7.0 Nougat, with Google VR Services and the Daydream app installed. The method also requires a compatible Daydream viewer and controller, with the Redditor stating that he used a Cardboard viewer and the controller emulator that is running on an old device.
Through a root explorer app, users will need to navigate to /system/etc/permissions/handheld_core_hardware.xml, which is where the Nexus 5X system features are listed. The list of permissions is in this file, and users will need to add and to the root permissions tag.
Afterwards, a simply reboot of the Nexus 5X will allow users to launch the Daydream platform on the smartphone. CharaNalaar said that the Daydream apps on the smartphone are being updated through the Play Store, and that he is now allowed to download apps which were previously said to be incompatible with the Nexus 5X.
Should You Launch Daydream On Older Smartphones?
Another Redditor, in the comments of the main thread, revealed that he was able to use the same method to launch the Daydream platform on his LG V20, which was also rooted and powered by Android 7.0 Nougat. As such, there is the possibility that the process can launch Daydream on any rooted device powered by Android 7.0 Nougat.
So why did Google state that only a limited number of smartphones can currently support Daydream? It is likely because only the newer devices have the necessary hardware to properly utilize the platform. According to CharaNalaar, there is a lot of lag on his Nexus 5X while using Daydream apps, though that could be partly attributed to using the Cardboard viewer instead of the Daydream View.
There is no guarantee that the method will work the same way for all users to try it. If you were able to launch Daydream on an older Android smartphone, tell us about your experience in the comments section.
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