Chrome update brings support for VR on Android and PC

Virtual reality content is usually accessed through VR-specific apps. But Google has updated its Chrome web browser on the PC and Android to bring VR experiences right from the browser. It now supports WebVR developer tools, meaning you can select a WebVR experience and navigate that either with a finger on your phone or mouse on a desktop or put the phone into a Daydream View to get a more immersive experience. This means, developers and creators can have VR experiences on their sites without the need of a native VR app. It isn’t just for hosting 360-degree videos either but it adds support for Daydream headset and controller, too.

Some of the early partners Google has for this new feature include PlayCanvas, SketchFab, and Matterport. There’s also Bear 71 VR, which is a VR documentary focused on a female Grizzly Bear who roams in Banff National Park in Canada. For mobile VR, it’s currently limited to Daydream but Google is working on bringing this experience to more headsets soon, including its own Cardboard platform.

Source: TechCrunch + Android Authority

ZTE Axon 7 gets Android Nougat and Daydream support

If you own a ZTE Axon 7, you’re in for a treat. The smartphone is getting a significant update. It gets both Android Nougat and support for Google’s Daydream virtual reality platform. With Android 7.0, the Axon 7 will get access to features like being able to run two apps side by side, new emojis, and better battery saving capabilities. Meanwhile, Daydream brings on the table the ability to get a great VR experience on an affordable phone.

VR fishing game ‘Bait’ comes to Google Daydream

The virtual reality fishing game Bait by Resolution Games is making its way to the Google Daydream headset. First launched for the Samsung Gear VR back in March, the game has reportedly earned one million players according to the developers. It’s a great number especially for the fledgling industry and the game costs US$8 on the Play Store.

According to Resolution Games Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Tommy Palm, “we now look forward to making the game available for the growing audience on Daydream, while adding the ability to use the motion controller for casting and reeling in fish, which adds a whole new layer to the game’s immersion within VR.” Whether it would do as well on the Daydream platform remains to be seen. But fishing fans might be able to enjoy this one.

Source: VentureBeat

Google opens app development for Daydream VR to all developers

In order to make a new technology or segment attractive to consumers, there needs to be a lot of good things going for it. In the case of virtual reality and VR headsets, there needs to be a lot of content or experiences to be had with these devices. To get more content, it’s necessary to get more partners. And so, Google is finally opening its doors to developers to create apps for its own VR platform. A new page on the company’s developer site shows the steps developers need to take to let them share Daydream-ready apps on the Play Store.

One of the key steps for developers to have their app published on Daydream Home and Google Play VR is to opt into the Daydream program. Once they do and once all the steps have been met, the Daydream team will then review the app created to see if it meets all the criteria.

Source: 9 to 5 Google