If you are a Google Chrome user then you will be happy to know that the latest version of the web browser now supported the Oculus Rift headset, meaning users can now browse the web in virtual reality (VR).
The feature means that users with an Oculus Rift headset and Google Chrome version number 66 will be able to turn on the new feature and enjoy a complete VR, web browser experience. This feature was found by a user on Reddit who noticed that there was an option to turn on ‘Oculus hardware support’ on the “Experiments” section of Google Chrome. It has since be confirmed to work by a number of people and has been met with positive praise.
Until now, VR web browsing experiences have been mostly limited to the mobile version of Google Chrome, taking advantage of 360-degree videos and content. Google mentioned last year how they were planning to make it possible to experience VR content without needing to move to a separate app on mobile devices, ensuring that content could be enjoined within Google Chrome. This became a reality when Google released the Cardboard platform and later went on to release the Google Daydream platform. These platforms allowed mobile users the chance to enjoy immersive VR content on their mobile device.
Now with the support for Oculus Rift built into the Windows 10 version of Google Chrome users have a new way to immersive themselves in a high-end, VR solution. Though most of the internet is not designed for VR viewing, a fair amount of websites and content is available, with the content growing as time passes. Of course, with Google and third-parties focusing on the mobile applications of VR, things have been slow to kick off on the desktop side of things but with this support now in Google Chrome this could all be about to change.
Support for Oculus Rift in Google Chrome is another step towards including the WebVR standard into browsers, allowing developers to deploy VR applications over the web without the the need for any downloads. As Google continue to focus on bring this to reality within Google Chrome, users will be sure to see some exciting developments in the coming months. VRFocus will be sure to bring you all the latest on Google Chrome’s VR movements in the future, so stay tuned for more.