Mobile VR Through the Web

cardboard-chrome-virtual-reality-example

Google is going even one step further, already showing eight demonstrations of mobile virtual reality which leverage Chrome along with WebGL and Three.js for in-browser 3D graphics and camera control:

For those interested in making mobile VR experiences deployed through the web, Google has example code to get you started.

One exciting thing about web-based VR is its ability to be widely deployed. All of the demos above lack pre-distortion to compensate for Cardboard’s lenses. However, so long as the browser knows which VR headset you’re using, any of these could be adapted with the proper pre-distortion to work across a number of headsets, without the need for different packages for each headset.

GameFace Labs, who is on the leading edge of a stand-alone mobile VR headset based on Android, is thrilled to have Google throw its hat into the ring.

Ed Mason, CEO of GameFace Labs, gives two-thumbs up to 'Windy Day' at 2.5k resolution on the GameFace Mark 5 prototype.
Ed Mason, CEO of GameFace Labs, gives two-thumbs up to ‘Windy Day’ at 2.5k resolution on the GameFace Mark 5 prototype at a recent SVVR Meetup.

“Google’s entry into the VR space was music to our ears as we have been promoting an open, Android-based VR platform for some time now. We have tried the Cardboard content on GameFace Mk5 and it looks tremendous in 2.5K,” GameFace Labs’ CEO, Edward Mason, told me. “In one swift move, Google has whipped the tech world into a frenzy with a simple piece of cardboard, the concept of which is not new, but with the support that goes with all of Google’s side projects mobile VR is certain to gain a wider audience in the very near term.”

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It’s exciting times for VR, whether you’re interested in the high-end desktop experience which Oculus VR aims for, or the casual VR experience which needs little more than a smartphone and some cardboard. There’s no lack of VR smartphone adapters out there—what’s missing is content. Google’s support of virtual reality is nothing but beneficial to the industry. Suddenly there is a surge of people out there with the ability to view mobile VR content, not to mention a new SDK from Google to help guide the collective enthusiasm of developers and hone the spurious VR content already found on the Play Store. Now we’re left wondering what Apple’s answer will be.
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Ben Lang
Ben is the world's most senior professional analyst solely dedicated to the XR industry, having founded Road to VR in 2011—a year before the Oculus Kickstarter sparked a resurgence that led to the modern XR landscape. He has authored more than 3,000 articles chronicling the evolution of the XR industry over more than a decade. With that unique perspective, Ben has been consistently recognized as one of the most influential voices in XR, giving keynotes and joining panel and podcast discussions at key industry events. He is a self-described "journalist and analyst, not evangelist."
  • mkeblx

    It’s really a pretty brilliant move: builds more interest and awareness, shows the variety of experiences that are enabled (not just gaming), and highlights an intriguing path of VR not being primarily mobile based down the line but right from the start.

    And likely indicates further moves by Google in the near term. They are incredibly well positioned to execute strongly with a specific vision in the space. Competition can only be a good thing.

  • kams912

    I found this website selling the entire kit so you don’t have to hunt for it yourself. http://googlecardboardkit.com

  • peepalala

    Guys check this out from http://www.googlecardboard.com Google Cardboard Kit in vibrant colors 30% Discount (EnterCouponCode: First100) for pre-order of colored cardboard and 10% discount (EnterCouponCode: 1000thSatisfiedCustomer) for regular cardboard and parts. They have ready stocks and ship within 24 hours.”

  • etheldinogan

    It’s quite a catch. You can check their website, it’s http://www.googlecardboard.com/. They offer great quality of google cardboards with cheap prices. I have one of this personally and I can guarantee you, it’s a must have kit.

    • That was me. Google threatened to sue me, we talked. and I decided to take all my domains down that had Google in it. I never received money from Google. I thought it was a dictionary word. mainly because I was using the name.. Without any actions afterwards. So far they have been true to the words.They would not black list me. But I was promoting a product that was open source/public domain. In short the (google) didn’t want me to use there name even though I was selling thier invention

  • It was good times, dealing with China and big Tobacco is a rough road