Google bringing ads to VR

It seems like an inevitable thing that Google is looking to include advertising into the virtual reality space. The company’s internal incubator Area 120 has a new experiment they call Advr. It’s a way to include ads into the VR space that they say aren’t disruptive for the viewers or hard to implement for the developers. One example they have is the ad cube, which users can opt to interact with. By tapping on the cube, a 2D video player pops up with the ad playing. For now, you can see there’s a “Close Ad” button but we can’t say if that’ll remain the same if or when Google decides to bring sto users.

Area 120 is supposedly working with some developers already but they won’t disclose who. They want the format to work on different VR platforms like Google Cardboard, Daydream, and Samsung Gear VR. Any developers who want to try it out can apply for an early access to the program here. Now, we just hope what they do develop something that isn’t obtrusive and useful.

Source: Tech Crunch + Android Authority

Google said to be building in-house startup incubator to keep staff from leaving

Google is hoping to keep its talent in-house and stop them from striking out on their own by creating its own startup incubator, if rumours are to be believed. According to The Information’s sources, Google is creating what’s called Area 120, which will let employees pursue their 20% projects—a.k.a. those projects Google allows its employees to work in a fifth of their working hours—full time. Those supposedly interested in doing this just have to submit a business plan, and if these are accepted, they can spend several months working on the idea. It could mean helping employee’s scratch their inventor itch while keeping them from losing their job at Google.

The tech giant hasn’t confirmed these plans yet. But it does seem like something that will help them keep their employees from jumping ship and joining other companies that look to undermine Google’s business. But whether that is enough to keep employees in remains to be seen. It could help them with developing the next big idea within its walls though.

Source: The Information | Via: Engadget