Google is looking to give their Google Cardboard users a bit more use with the virtual reality headset. Earlier today it was announced that Google has added support for their YouTube application through the use of virtual reality headsets like Google’s Cardboard. These are videos that we’ve seen played before through YouTube as viewers could drag the screen around to get a full 360-degree view or have the ability to physically move their smartphone and tablet around to see the entire video. Now with the virtual reality support, these videos will look even better and give a fuller immersion for viewers.
For those who are unaware of what Google Cardboard is, this device is a virtual reality headset that can be used with most smartphones. Consumers are able to use their handset as the VR display and while Google Cardboard is a popular inexpensive virtually reality headset, there’s no official vendor for these Google Cardboard units. Instead Google gave out the list of parts and schematics completely free, this way a consumer can make their own VR headset or purchase one pre-made online through other vendors.
Through this newly added support onto the YouTube application for virtual reality, videos that were shot for VR headsets will become more lifelike. Now viewers will be able to see the depth and can easily tell how close or far an object is within the video. These videos are popular, but there’s definitely not as many YouTube creators uploading VR-based videos. Though the new support from Google, we may see that actually change with content providers shifting towards more 3D VR-ready video uploads.
However, it’s worth noting that even if a video isn’t shot to be 3D VR-ready, all videos will be able for use with virtual reality headsets. For the standard uploaded videos, viewers are able to select a new 3D mode that will make the viewer feel as if they are watching the video in a giant movie theater. While it may not be the most thrilling feature for virtual reality headsets, it’s a nice option to toss in and use from time-to-time.