New WebVR for 2017
Some great examples of A-Frame
For the “hardcore” WebVR work, check this Reddit link:
And here (finally) is a great WebVR tutorial:
http://elevr.com/a-webvr-with-threejs-tutorial/
Hardware
Right now, a VR headset will set you back > $500. This will change in early 2017 when the first wave of cheaper VR headsets become available from Microsoft:
And here’s one from Lenovo
Authoring Tools
This is an intro to the whole scene, including making the 3D assets. Authoring tools of note:
- http://clara.io (it’s easy)
- http://vizor.io
The Krpano HTML5 Media Viewer also supports WebVR:
In terms of dev kits, there are several that let you import existing 3D environments right into WebVR:
Better Hardware
In 2016, the tech you needed for a VR headset with haptics would set you back about $800. In 2017, Microsoft plans to make it cheaper with their holographic developer kits.
What About WordPress?
Since about 25% of all websites are coded in WordPress, it’s natural to wonder how to add WebVR to the system. WordPress.com (not to be confused with WordPress.org, the main WordPress site) has added a new plugin that supports 360 panoramas. To use it, you need to sign up for a wordpress.com site. Once you’ve done so, you can use a wordpress.com – specific shortcode to embed vr in your site:
Embedding 360° photos and Virtual Reality (VR) Content
Shortcode for 360 photos:
[vr url=path-to-photo.jpg view=cinema]
360 videos (requires business account with wordpress.com)
[vr guid=videopressguid view=360]
Server Tips
One sticking point: WebVR will probably use the secure web (https) rather than insecure (http) protocol. So, if you’re going to be hosting WebVR on your server, make sure you support https as well as http.
Here is a discussion of the issues:
Potential
To round out this list, here’s an interesting project that combines the two media emerging after a decade of web and weblike apps: VR and Voice systems. The following WebVR app is voice-powered by Alexa and uses a “gamified” virtual reality for special education.
In another interesting twist, failing gaming companies turn to VR for new life.