It looks like it's full steam ahead for Google's virtual reality plans in 2016. Less than a month ago, the company appointed a new head for its virtual reality division, and now reports from the Financial Times (paid subscription) suggest that Google already has a new VR headset, as well as an Android-based platform to support it, in the works.

The headset it said to model itself after the design of Samsung's Gear VR, and could work in conjunction with display specification compatible Nexus devices. Financial Times sources also indicate that it will feature better sensors and lenses compared to that of the Gear VR. If true, The Verge believes that could mean Google's new VR headset will not rely wholly on the specifications of certain Android devices, but rather open its use up to a far wider range of smartphones.

Along with developing hardware, a report from The Wall Street Journal early last year said that Google was working on its own platform for VR, which was tentatively referred to as Android VR. Since that time, there has not been much news has come out about the VR-based OS.

As far as when we will see both a new Google VR headset as well as the platform on which it will run, reports are leaning towards the May 18th-dated Google I/O event.