Virtual Reality to be available in the Google Chrome platform

Google has announced that it is releasing virtual reality to the Internet through WebVR.

Although using VR requires the user to insert his device into a headset to experience the technology’s immersive features, buying a VR headset is not a viable option for everyone. Google’s latest announcement is expanding the scope of virtual reality in a huge way by bringing it to the web. The latest version of Google’s Chrome browser is home to a technology called the WebVR., which essentially lets programmers create experiences that can be placed on their very websites.

A user can use Chrome with Daydream headsets as well as view the VR content on any regular phone or desktop computer by interacting through either finger or mouse, which means that web-surfers can access VR content through their browsers. To get started, Google suggests that you visit Matterport’s library that stocks experiences from over 300,000+ celebrity homes, museums, canyons, iconic architecture and other real places. Alternatively, you can visit the WebVR Lab from PlayCanvas and have fun by teleporting or playing records.

Earlier, the Chrome browser was unable to generate any data with regards to the phone’s position and orientation — cornerstones to creating any VR experience. Google fixed this glitch in December last year, and the new release is now publilicly available.  

You can also enjoy over a million 3D scenes in VR with Sketchfab “from your favorite anime and video game characters to famous works of art.”

For now, you can either view these experiences on the updated Chrome or slip your daydream compatible device into the daydream view headset for a more immersive experience. However, Google says that it will be increasing the scope of the program to include other headsets as well — including Google cardboard.