Google hires engineers to run Android OS on virtual reality gear – report

Google has padded out a team of engineers to beaver away at an Android operating system to power virtual reality devices, it has been reported.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the ad giant plans to follow its well-worn OS smartphone path, by releasing a VR version of its platform that will be freely available online.

Google declined to comment on the speculation. The multi-billion dollar company has already stepped into the virtual reality field with its Cardboard project, which – it's understood – is considered a bit of an in-joke within Mountain View.

The newspaper, citing two people familiar with Google's plans, said that "tens of engineers" and other staffers at the Chocolate Factory were working on the project.

It comes after Facebook injected $2bn into its own VR investment last year with the buyout of Oculus. In recent months, Microsoft has also entered the yet-to-be tested market with its HoloLens announcement. ®