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Google Cardboard Users Can Now Play WebVR Experiments

In February, Google added WebVR to Chrome on Daydream-ready phones (like Pixel and ZenFone). The WebVR standard allows users to launch virtual reality (VR) experiences in a browser like Chrome by simply tapping a link and putting on a compatible headset. Yesterday, the company revealed it added support for Google Cardboard and launched a new homepage for web-based VR experiments.

Google Creative Lab Creative Technologist Jonas Jongejan wrote in a blog post announcement that everyone “should be able to experience VR” — and now anyone with an Android phone and Cardboard can, with millions of Cardboard headsets distributed worldwide.

Users can test out games in WebVR Experiments, like Konterball (above), using Google Cardboard.

The platform is compatible with all browsers “to make it easier for developers to create something quickly and share it with everyone, no matter what device they’re on,” the post said. Coinciding with the update, Google launched WebVR Experiments, an online gallery that showcases a few VR projects from developers for individuals to test out in WebVR. For example, users can play VR ping pong, search for robots or explore the world with their voice.

The site also includes resources like a tutorial that teaches the fundamentals of creating WebVR content and a framework for building VR experiences, and posts open source code for developers to start building in WebVR. (Developers can submit what they make for a chance to be displayed in the gallery.)

Individuals without Cardboard or Daydream can still try out the WebVR Experiments via desktop or on any phone in 2D. According to the blog post, WebVR support on Chrome for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive is “coming soon.”

Learn more by watching the video below.

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

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