Multiple major browsers support VR technology. Mainly Google Chrome and Firefox have implemented some big features to make this possible as of right now. As such, it is surprising to see Supermedium team up with Y Combinator to launch a full-fledged VR web browser. It is evident this is a positive development for the industry as a whole, though. Getting more content to virtual reality enthusiasts can only be considered to be a good thing.
The Supermedium VR Browser
Accessing most VR content outside of games and applications is still rather difficult. Most of this content is only available in certain regions. Additionally, many people had high hopes for enjoying different types of content in virtual reality by now. Sadly, there has been a lot of disappointment in this regard, but that is not entirely surprising whatsoever. With the Supermedium browser, that will hopefully come to change in the near future. Whether or not it will be the case, has yet to be determined.
This is not the first time we see actual VR browsers come to market. More specifically, both Oculus and Samsung experiment with VR browsers already, but those were never a big success. This is mainly because of the focus being on 2D websites, rather than take advantage of virtual reality technology to the fullest. A dedicated app store lets users discover content as well, but it’s only normal most consumers want something that is a lot more simple to use.
With the backing of Y Combinator, Supermedium may very well be a big game changer moving forward. Building a VR browser which lives up to people’s expectations will not be easy, though. This is why the team wants to create a brand new solution designed to accommodate 3D content first and foremost. There are no download queues either, as everything should open in mere seconds. Technology like this one may effectively help VR gain more mainstream traction moving forward.
Whether or not Supermedium will effectively gain any traction, is a different matter altogether. There is a demand by enthusiasts to access VR content in a much more convenient manner. However, using a browser to do so will always be a big clunky first and foremost. A snappy browser experience may effectively prove everyone wrong in this regard, but only time will tell if there is a bright future ahead for Supermedium. The browser is available for download as we speak and works on both Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
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