The virtual reality ecosystem still needs more accessible content across all devices. Google has gotten the message loud and clear. Their Chrome browser now has Oculus Rift support. It is a major development for the entire VR industry, albeit one that was somewhat overdue.
Chrome VR Support for the Oculus Rift
While still one of the leading desktop-oriented VR headsets, the Oculus Rift offers little content outside of its own ecosystem. That is now coming to change, thanks to the Google Chrome browser. Google finally enabled VR support for this browser in the Oculus. More specifically, the Windows version of the browser natively works with the Rift headset and the Touch controllers.
Several Reddit users have confirmed this functionality is working as intended. All content can be launched straight to the headset by modifying the browser’s flag. For those users who prefer the more traditional approach, turning off the flag will give an option for a desktop-based 360-degree view of said content. Having both options available is always a positive sign.
It is rather interesting to see Google limit the Chrome support to the Oculus Rift. It is possible other headsets will be supported in the future. As of right now, there have been no official statements regarding such a development. If Chrome arrives on all VR headsets, there will be a lot more VR content waiting to be accessed.
For developers, this is a change worth taking note of. Chrome’s WebVR standard lets developers deploy virtual reality apps over the web. The Oculus Rift is the second headset to effectively receive native WebVR support. In 2017, the company offered this same functionality to its own Daydream VR headsets.
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