Google has been working hard on making their VR solutions more accessible to consumers. Not only has the company launched a very affordable VR headset, but they have also implemented WebVR in the Google Chrome browser. To keep the momentum going, Google has introduced another update that allows the WebVR standard to be used by Cardboard headset owners.
Google Cardboard Becomes More Useful
Ever since the inception of the Google Cardboard VR headset, consumers have been waiting to experience more content in virtual reality. The headset requires users to put their mobile phone in the cardboard holder, allowing them to venture into the world of VR at a very low price. So far, this venture has worked out quite well, even though Google is always looking for ways to make their Cardboard headset more appealing to consumers.
In a new update, the technology giant has extended WebVR support to their Cardboard headsets. To be more precise, anyone using a Google Cardboard headset can now launch a VR environment without using a specific application. That is quite interesting, considering there is still a shortage of proper virtual reality apps on mobile platforms right now. While it is true that developing a virtual reality experience for mobile is neither cheap nor easy, one would have expected the market to be more competitive right now.
Moreover, extending WebVR support to Google Cardboard may entice more developers to venture into the world of creating virtual reality experiences. It is also important to note this new functionality will work on any phone, regardless of it being DayDream capable, which is a more than welcome addition. Users will still need an Android phone to use WebVR, though, as it does not work on iOS as of right now.
It remains to be seen how successful this new venture will be, though. Google Cardboard remains a very limited VR platform, even though things may turn around in the coming months. The fact WebVR does not work with iOS is a problem, though. Google Cardboard is mainly used by iOS users right now, which means this new feature will have less of a market appeal than the technology giant would want.
In the end, it is good to see Google has not given up on the Cardboard platform just yet. Anyone who does not own a Google Cardboard headset can make use of the WebVR functionality as well through the Google Chrome browser. All things considered, WebVR can be the convenient and affordable gateway into virtual reality consumers are looking for. It is now up to Google and other developers to build new experiences for Cardboard in the future.
