Google's virtual reality platform Daydream is the latest additional feature in the Android 7.1 Nougat update. However, Daydream is only available for particular smartphone, like Google's Pixel and Pixel XL, as well as Motorola's Moto Z Force Droid, Moto Z Droid, and Moto Z. But one Redditor found a hack to make it work on his 2015 model of Google Nexus 5X.
Hack adds Daydream VR support to Nexus 5X
Redditor CharaNalaar found a way to run the Daydream app on his Nexus 5X 2015 model, Nashville Chatter reported. According to the thread, the smartphone should have Android 7.0 Nougat. After that, the user has to install the Daydream app and Google VR Services on their device.
The user should have a Daydream viewer and controller for their device. In this case, CharaNalaar used a Cardboard viewer and a controller emulator from an older device. The user must modify the root permission tag using a root explorer app to navigate through the handheld_core_hardware.xml.
After the proper configurations are done, the user must simply reboot the Nexus 5X to launch the Daydream platform on the device. Daydream app can then be downloaded from the Play Store. One user from the thread said this trick can also work with LGG V20 smartphones.
Lack of hardware brings bad VR experience to Nexus 5X
Although there is a hack that would make Daydream available for the Nexus 5X, there is a good reason why Google didn't officially make Daydream compatible with the older smartphone. The reason is that Nexus 5X simply doesn't have the hardware to support a good VR experience for the users, WCCF Tech reported.
CharaNalaar can testify to this saying that the VR experience in his Nexus 5x has lag and the images are low quality. Using Goole cardboard rather than Daydream View also contributes to the bad VR experience.
