Introducing the WebVR API in Chrome for Android
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Chrome 56 for Android is now available in beta, and web developers can sign up for an Origin Trial which enables the WebVR API and GamePad API extensions. The WebVR API provides access to the input and output capabilities of virtual reality devices such as Daydream View. It also provides access to the user’s position and orientation, so that web apps can render a stereoscopic 3D scene to the headset's display. The Gamepad API extensions provide access to input from motion controllers, such as the Daydream controller, and enables natural interactions in VR.
Origin Trials allow a developer to temporarily enable the feature for all Chrome users visiting their website. The WebVR API is still evolving and will undergo further changes based on developer feedback before being enabled by default for all pages. WebVR will be extended to desktop platforms and Google Cardboard in a future Chrome release, and several performance improvements are coming in Chrome 57.
To learn how to get started and build your first WebVR web app, visit the WebVR developer site for tutorials and samples. Join the conversation by giving feedback on the API or the Chrome implementation and joining the WebVR Slack channel.
Posted by Brandon Jones, Virtual Reality Plumber
