Skip to main content

Google adds WebVR support to Cardboard and Chrome, and debuts WebVR Experiments

WebVR Experiments: Virtual reality on the web for everyone
Virtual reality is, generally speaking, an expensive proposition — at least it is if you want the best VR experience. There are less expensive options, however, including Google’s Cardboard that lets you experience more limited VR using just an Android smartphone.

On Wednesday, Google announced it is working even harder to bring better VR to entry-level price points. Specifically, the company is adding WebVR support to Google Cardboard and it is launching its WebVR Experiments showcase for anyone to access and experience VR.

Recommended Videos

WebVR is an open standard for creating VR experiences that are accessible with supported web browsers. The standard works with a variety of headsets, including the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and PlayStation VR. But more relevant to anyone looking for a low-budget VR solution is WebVR’s support for Google Daydream, which was added in February for supported smartphones via Chrome, and now Google Cardboard via Chrome on any Android device.

WebVR Experiments is a site that you can visit to check out a growing list of experiences on just about any VR device. Anybody can submit their own creations to the site and accessing them is as easy as firing up a WebVR device and clicking on a link.

Google highlighted a few of the WebVR Experiments listed on the site. There is interactive ping pong via Konterball:

Then there is the ability to “explore the world with your voice”:

Check out the sounds of various objects raining down:

Play Spot-the-Bot with the help of another player who is outside the VR experience:

Google notes that you can also play the experiences in 2D on the desktop or a smartphone via any supported browser. If you are a developer and want to create and upload an experience, then you can submit it here. Not every VR headset supports Chrome at this point, but Google promises that Chrome support is coming soon.

Mark Coppock
Mark Coppock is a Freelance Writer at Digital Trends covering primarily laptop and other computing technologies. He has…
This Lenovo ThinkPad is almost $1,800 off today!
A press photo of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11.

One of the best laptops for a busy computer-heavy workplace is the Lenovo ThinkPad. For years, this tried and true laptop and 2-in-1 has delivered a fast and reliable Windows experience to many a 9 to 5 go-getter. Processor speed and power evolve year over year, and new features are added to these laptops all the time. This also means you’ll be able to find discounts on older machines, which is precisely what we came across while scouring through Lenovo ThinkPad deals:

Right now, as part of Lenovo’s doorbuster sale, you’ll save $1,800 on the purchase of a brand-new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 when you order through Lenovo.

Read more
Runway brings precise camera controls to AI videos
Gen-3 alpha advanced camera controls

Content creators will have more control over the look and feel of their AI-generated videos thanks to a new feature set coming to Runway's Gen-3 Alpha model.

Advanced Camera Control is rolling out on Gen-3 Alpha Turbo starting today, the company announced via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Read more
Score the Dell XPS 15 for less than $1,000 during this sale
Dell XPS 15 9520 front view showing display and keyboard deck.

If you’ve been looking for laptop deals but feel disappointed with the results of your research, we know the pain. Searching for a new PC can take months, especially if you’ve got the time and energy to vet through numerous brands and models. Fortunately, there are a few tried and true PC names, one of which happens to be Dell. We see Dell laptop deals pretty regularly, but this one stopped us in our tracks:

Right now, when you order the Dell XPS 15 Laptop through the manufacturer, you’ll save $300. At full price, this model sells for $1,300.

Read more