Last year Samsung launched a new version of its own internet browser for the Gear VR mobile-based virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD). The app allows users to bring up a virtual screen and browse the web within the device, using its head-tracking and on-board touchpad to select content and more. The app has done a serviceable job of letting users get online without having to remove the HMD thus far, but this month has seen a big update that takes it that bit further into being a fully VR compatible browser.
The Samsung Internet app now includes ‘experimental’ support for WebVR, according to Brandon Jones, one of the developers of the concept over at Google. This means that users can not only surf the web in VR but actually interact with VR content such as 360 degree videos as intended too. The concept itself is still far from complete, meaning you may well run into some glitches during its use. Expect, then, to see plenty of updates to help make this a truly VR web browser in the coming weeks and months.
Elsewhere, WebVR is already being pushed by both Mozilla for FireFox and Google with Chrome. This means that PC-based HMDs such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive aren’t missing out.
Check back with VRFocus for the latest updates to the Samsung Internet VR browser.
