Google appoints new VP of virtual reality

Google is doubling-down on virtual reality.

The technology giant has created a brand new division dedicated to expanding its VR offering.

Heading up the arm will be Clay Bavor, VP of virtual reality, who previously ran Google’s apps, such as Gmail, as VP of product management (via Re/code). New SVP Diane Greene will pick up Bavor’s previous duties.

Bavor is well-suited to the position: he also oversaw the launch of Google Cardboard, the budget VR headset launched in 2014.

Google has refused to detail how many other employees would be moving over to focus on virtual reality.

The firm has also invested in augmented reality, backing AR specialist Magic Leap.

It’s also clear that Google has the major VR players in its sights; one anonymous source ‘familiar’ with the company said that the investment was to counteract its “fear of missing Oculus”.