Google, Chrome, WebVR,

Google is pretty cool when it comes to bringing new, interesting things to the masses. However, every now and then the company does something that is even better than usual. Today is one of those days. Google has announced that it is releasing virtual reality to the Internet through WebVR.

Announcing the same though a blog post, Google said:

With the latest version of Chrome, we’re bringing VR to the web—making it as easy to step inside Air Force One as it is to access your favorite webpage.

Normally, using VR requires the user to insert his device into a headset. The experience is certainly immersive, however not everyone has — or is willing to buy — a VR headset. 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. What it essentially does is to let programmers create experiences that can be placed on their very websites.

Apart from using Chrome with Daydream headsets, users can also enjoy experiences by viewing the VR content on any regular phone or desktop computer and interacting through either finger or mouse.

Bear71

So essentially, users can access VR content through their browsers. Google also has a bunch of suggestions to get you started. For example, you can visit Matterport’s library that stocks experiences from over 300,000+ celebrity homes, museums, canyons, iconic architecture and other real places. You can also visit the WebVR Lab from PlayCanvas. and do fun stuff like teleporting or playing records.

Earlier, the Chrome browser did not offer support for WebVR. This meant that the browser was unable to generate any data with regards to the phone’s position and orientation — things essential to any VR experience. Google rolled out support for the same in December in beta mode and today, has made the goodies publicly available.  webvr-lab

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.”

​Sketchfab

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.

We want to bring VR to everyone on any device, and in the coming months we’ll add support for more headsets, including Google Cardboard. Try out these VR-enabled sites to be one of the first to experience the magic of VR on the web

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