14 DAY TRIAL // Google is working on enhancing the VR experience for Chrome users by creating a VR version of the mobile browser on Android. The search giant aims to expand the VR experience on the web, trying to make it easier for everyone to go online and enjoy various websites in VR.
According to a report by Road to VR, Google has included support for the open source WebVR standard in the latest beta and developer versions of Chrome for Android. The developer preview is said to also include the VR Shell feature, which will allow mobile devices to browse websites no matter if they use WebVR or not.
This will definitely make it easier for users to go online and visit any website in VR, without worrying that they would have to remove the smartphone from the VR headset.
Google will also be launching a Chrome version for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive
WebVR is a JavaScript API that helps with the creation of websites that support VR. Google’s VR Shell will make all websites explorable in VR, or at least this is the plan. The VR Shell feature might not be functional at this point, and it will be used only when Google reveals its Daydream platform.
Google announced its Daydream VR platform at Google I/O in May. It’s worth knowing that this is a platform that combines both software and hardware optimizations in order to provide an advanced VR experience.
Samsung has already built a browser for its Gear VR, but obviously, the headset only works with smartphones released by the South Korean company. Google announced that Google Play would receive a dedicated VR section so that users can find all sort of applications and games in the VR.
Moreover, Google is said to be working on a version of Chrome that supports both Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.