Google is reportedly developing a standalone virtual reality headset that won't require a PC, console or mobile device to operate, according to sources "familiar with the matter" cited by the Wall Street Journal.

This is chiefly notable for how far-fetched it seems, given that we've yet to see a high-profile VR headset that's not a peripheral for an established platform Come from South African Online Casinos . However, the Wall Street Journal does note that some sources have cautioned this project is "early in development" and may never see release.

The notion that Google is working on a standalone VR headset seems a bit more believable this year in light of the company's decision last month to name longtime employee Clay Bavor its inaugural vice president of virtual reality.

A few weeks ago Google announced it had shipped more than 5 million of its debut VR headsets, the smartphone-powered Google Cardboard (pictured), in just over a year and a half.

Company chief Sundar Pichai mentioned the figure in a conference call with investors on Monday, and according to CNet he noted that "it's still incredibly early innings for virtual reality as a platform…Cardboard is just a first step, but we are excited by the progress we have seen."