But it should be noted that the nature of how web content has been created, for the most part, for conventional use – not VR.
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Samsung has recently announced the launch of “Internet for Gear VR”, a web browser specifically optimized for its Gear VR headset, which went on sale last month for just in the U.S.
So, if you happen to own a Samsung Gear VR headset, starting tomorrow you will be able to do a lot more with your headset than what you’ve been able to do, which was still a lot.
According to Samsung, its new browser will allow Gear VR users to “intuitively browse” the Internet and directly access a bunch of content available online. There are bookmarks, which you can import from Samsung’s Android browser app, along with a Tab Manager for quickly jumping between different sites and Quick Access shortcuts.
The web browser is available to download on the Oculus Store (currently in beta testing).
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The browser also supports voice recognition and an on-screen keyboard, which can already be found in other Gear VR apps, like Netflix. It’ll also come with a “gaze mode” that lets users simply stare at things to select them, which sounds slightly weird even though it is useful. “It supports both 360-degree and 3D video streaming, as well as any HTML5 video from the web, allowing users to enjoy video content in a fully immersive environment”, Samsung said. A number of VR developers have started to build virtual reality technology based on web standards, which will one day make it possible to publish games and complex experiences on the web, without the need to distribute apps to each and every headset.
