WebVR API introduced for Chrome beta on Android

The Daydream View is compatible with Daydream-ready phones running on Android 7.0 Nougat. Image Google

Virtual reality (VR) is one of the hottest things these days and companies want to integrate it into just about anything, lest it goes the way of 3D and just fizzles out. Google’s new WebVR API takes a piece of the action by helping pave the way for VR web browsing.

According to a Chromium blog post, the WebVR API gives web browsers the ability to render web apps in stereoscopic 3D on a VR headset like the Daydream View. Apart from this, the WebVR API provides access to the user’s position and orientation.

A GamePad API extension completes the web VR setup by allowing access to motion controllers.

Web developers can get hands-on with the API by signing up for an Origin Trial. This will allow them to temporarily enable VR features for visitors of their respective sites. WebVR API is still in its testing stages and will continue to evolve based on feedback received from developers.

Eventually, WebVR will be funneled down to desktop platforms and Google Cardboard for future Chrome releases. Alfred Bayle