Google has now launched the early access version of YouTube VR for free via Steam published. Officially, only HTC Vive is supported, but other VR headsets are set to follow shortly. Although the app also starts with Oculus Rift, the controls are not designed for the Rift controllers.
According to Google, the early access phase of YouTube VR will continue until the end of 2018. Until then, the VR app will be continuously improved and optimised based on user feedback. Google is also talking about customised in-app experiences that are to be integrated.
It is reported that YouTube VR supports the usual 360-degree videos and normal 2D videos, which are then displayed on a screen. Stereoscopic 3D videos do not yet work, but as they are already mentioned in the official description (see below), support should be added soon. And as I said, the VR app is being continuously developed, which is why missing features will hopefully be added soon.
The official manufacturer description von YouTube VR lautet so: „YouTube VR verwandelt YouTube in eine dreidimensionale Welt, in der du Kanäle, Videos und YouTuber in der virtuellen Realität erleben kannst. Mit Weissen Haien schwimmen, alle sieben Kontinente mit deinem persönlichen Reiseleiter erkunden oder bei Konzerten in der ersten Reihe sitzen – all das und vieles mehr ist möglich. 360°-Videos in 3D, VR180-Videos und Standardvideos versetzen dich mitten ins Geschehen. YouTube VR ist für HTC Vive verfügbar und optimiert.“
Source: VRODO
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