Posted Mon Apr 4, 2016 at 01:15 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
The company's virtual reality headset now offers experimental support for WebVR.
Samsung has announced the addition of WebVR support to its Samsung Internet for GearVR 1.0 internet browser on the Gear VR headset. With that said, the WebVR spec has not been finalized yet, so current support is listed as experimental.
Once activated within a user's Gear VR browser, WebVR integration allows Gear VR customers to view supported virtual reality content and videos directly through their internet browser. WebVR on Samsung Internet for GearVR 1.0 currently uses the deprecated API set, but the company hopes to update support with the latest WebVR draft soon. In addition to native virtual reality content, Samsung Internet for GearVR 1.0 lets users browse all web pages through an immersive, big screen environment, along with support for streaming side-by-side 3D videos, streaming spherical 360 degree videos, and streaming 3D 360 degree videos. Likewise, the browser offers a Video History option, on-screen keyboard and voice input, support for Bluetooth devices like gamepads and keyboards, and other standard features like Quick Access, Bookmarks and Tab Manager.
The Samsung Gear VR is a virtual reality headset that weighs just 318g and offers an FOV of 96 degrees. Gear VR currently works in conjunction with Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6, and Galaxy S6 edge smartphones, using each device's super AMOLED display to help create an immersive VR experience. Suggested retail price for the Gear VR is $99.
Beyond WebVR support, other recent Gear VR additions include a Hulu VR app. Likewise, FOX Sports and NextVR announced a partnership to offer live VR stream for sporting events through the Gear VR, and tonight's NCAA National Championship will be viewable in VR through Samsung's headset.
Sources: Mozilla, Engadget, SamMobile
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