Content for virtual reality is being created at a tremendous pace as the field sees more and more consumer devices and interest. Hoping to address how most 3D content is still created on 2D screens, Google is releasing Blocks, a simple tool for creating and sharing objects in virtual reality.
In addition to mobile and desktop software, Google also creates software for dedicated virtual reality platforms. Launched last year, Tilt Brush and Google Earth are impressive VR experiences for the HTC Vive. Nearly a year later, the former app is now available for the competing Oculus Rift.
With Google I/O starting next week, veteran tech journalist Peter Rojas has tweeted that Android VR will launch as a dedicated, standalone headset. This corroborates earlier reports and the mention of “AndroidVR” we saw yesterday in the latest Unreal Engine preview.
Google’s initial play with virtual reality couldn’t possibly have been any more basic: the company’s first headset was quite literally made from cardboard. But suggestions that the company is more serious about VR than Google Cardboard have been backed by a high-profile exec change within the company spotted by Fast Company.
Jon Wiley, the lead designer of Google Search, has transitioned to become lead designer of Google Cardboard […] Wiley’s Twitter profile reflects his new position, and Google confirmed the move, but declined to share details as to when or why it occurred, or who will replace Wiley in his former role. What’s clear is that Google has invested a major design talent in VR.
The WSJ reported in March that Google was working on a new project to build a VR platform based on the Android operating system which would be free for hardware manufacturers, and Google last month announced a ‘Works with Google Cardboard‘ program to unify third-party viewers …
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After announcing its Oculus-powered Gear VR earlier this year, Samsung’s new virtual reality experience for its Note 4 smartphone is now available to order through its website and other retailers in the US.
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If you have Google Cardboard and want to check out what one company believes will be the future of video, you can download a free app to experience part of a Paul McCartney concert in 360-degree video.
Captured with a new ‘cinematic VR’ system by Jaunt, the performance of Live and Let Die was captured at the final concert at Candlestick Park before the stadium closed, reports TNW.
You can download the free app from the Google play store. It requires a recent 5- or 6-inch phone and, of course, Google Cardboard.
If you liked the idea of the poor man’s virtual reality headset, Google Cardboard, but decided your DIY skills weren’t up to the task of making your own and didn’t want to lay out $20 for a third-party kit, you’ll soon be able to get one for free, thanks to Volvo.
The car-maker is using a Volvo-branded version of Google Cardboard together with a companion app to help promote its new XC90 SUV.
Simply download the free Volvo Reality app, then wait until Tuesday when you’ll be able to request your free Google Cardboard through the app. Best fire it up early, though: Volvo says supplies are limited.
Once you have it, you can of course use it with any Google Cardboard-compatible app.
Via The Verge
Chardan Capital Markets analyst Jay Srivatsa believes that a combination of two Google investment decisions could signal that the company is planning to take “a different direction” with Google Glass, reports StreetInsider.
Srivatsa noted that Google had decided against further investment in Himax, a company specialising in controllers for conventional head-mounted micro-displays, at the same time as investing in virtual reality startup Magic Leap …
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Just a few weeks ahead of IFA in Berlin, an alleged image of Samsung’s virtually reality headset has been leaked. According to The Verge, Samsung is set to unveil this headset, alongside the Galaxy Note 4, at its Unpacked event in Berlin next month. The report claims that the headset, codenamed Project Moonlight, is similar to Google Cardboard in how it allows you to pair it with a smartphone display to transport you “into an immersive world” with its lenses.
