What is WebVR and How to Use It

Some of the most prominent internet browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are now offering support for WebVR. It is a reasonably big development because it will allow users to enjoy VR inside their internet browsers. Let’s take a look at what exactly is WebVR and how it will affect you.    

What is WebVR?   

WebVR is a JavaScript API that enables browsers to connect with VR devices. Anybody who would like to access the internet must do so through a browser, which makes it the most popular application in the world. If the VR experience is available through an internet browser, then anybody virtually can enjoy it. Some of the barriers obstructing people from using virtual reality will be removed since there will be no need to download heavy apps or purchase a powerful computer. Therefore, WebVR development is not only making virtual reality more accessible, but cheaper as well.   

The way works right is as follows:   

• The API senses the VR device   
• Then checks the capabilities of the device   
• Polls its position   
• Delivers the frames that are required depending on the VR environment   

Now that we know what internet WebVR is let’s take a look at some of the frameworks that can be used to create it.   

Frameworks to Use  

To assist you in creating a virtual reality experience, you can choose the following frameworks:  

• A-Frame – This was created by the Mozilla VR team to launch the WebVR ecosystem. It can be used from HTML to lead to the frame and performs exceptionally well across platforms.    
• Primrose – This framework offers an immersive environment for both desktop and mobile web browsers alike. The main goal is to create an environment that is wrapped around a basic Three.js scene. Such an environment will handle all of the elementary scene interactions such as a primary user interface for entering VR mode.
• React VR – If you are looking to create VR apps with the only JavaScript, then this is the framework for you. Its design is identical to React, thus allowing you to create a rich VR environment and a user interface from declarative components.
• Babylon.js – This engine is based on JavaScript and WebGL. It is excellent for creating games in 3D and experiences in HTML 5.  

How to Use WebVR?    

In order to fully enjoy WebVR, you will require a headset. You can use any of the most popular headsets on the market today such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, or anything else. If you do not want to spend a whole lot of money to buy the headsets listed, you can always choose the Google Cardboard. All you have to do is insert your smartphone into the cardboard, and it will display a dual-lens image right on the screen. It might not be as comfortable as the headsets mentioned above, but it is much cheaper, and you will be able to enjoy an immersive experience.     

It is possible to use some WebVR sites without any hardware altogether. But it will not be the actual virtual reality experience that we have come to expect. Think of it more as an interactive 360° panorama. You will still be able to interact with the virtual environment, but you will be limited in terms of what you can do. Furthermore, even though it is possible to view VR websites in all major browsers, it is still in its development stages. That means that it is not stable and can change without notice.    

If you feel that Chrome is offering you limited functionality, you can download Chromium, which is the open-source version of Google’s web browser. As soon as you have WebVR enabled, you will need to visit a site that uses the API.

WebVR Examples   

Even though WebVR has not fully matured, companies have already found some interesting uses for them. One great example is the VR website Studio Zero has created which countdowns to the next release of the Netflix hit show “Stranger Things.” Even though it is just a clock that counts down the days and hours to the next episode, the virtual reality has created an immersive experience. It can be enjoyed without a headset and attracts more users than expected.    

LearnBrite created another interesting example for educational purposes. This is a virtual classroom with a capacity of 100,000 people. It can also be used for conducting meetings, presentations, and training. This is very convenient because you can interact with all other participants in the room even though you may all be spread out in different locations. You are thus eliminating the need to travel to attend a meeting physically.    

The information that we have provided gives us a glimpse into what WebVR is truly capable of and how it will add an immersive element to our everyday experiences. This could merely be hopping online to check the weather forecast or see who won yesterday’s ballgame. As technology becomes more advanced, you can expect to see an even greater array of experiences and can be greatly customizable as well. This opens up a lot of possibilities for business to engage their customers and deliver their message more effectively. In general, this will mean that users will enjoy browsing through websites, service offerings, and any other usually mundane experiences.