Samsung announced that it would be releasing Samsung Gear VR support for Web content, pushing its Samsung Internet for GearVR 1.0 out of beta.
Although the Samsung Gear VR already comes with a Web browser, users have not been able to browse virtual reality experiences found on the Internet. With this update, Gear VR owners will be able to fully immerse themselves in supported content with the headset.
Samsung notes that the feature is not automatic — users need to manually turn it on and off, and the program may still be buggy as developers work toward a final edition. The initial version of Samsung Internet for Gear VR 1.0 is based on the same open source chromium engine (version M44) as the latest version of mobile Samsung Internet for Android, which can be found in the Google Play store.
The UX design is meant to adopt the merits of existing PC and mobile browsers, meaning that there is more familiarity and less dizziness for users. Samsung Internet for Gear VR also provides a continuous experience for those who switch to and from Samsung Internet for Android.
"Connecting Gear VR to your mobile device with any Web page or full screen video open on Samsung Internet for Android will let you continuously view the same contents using Samsung Internet for Gear VR," Samsung explains on its developer blog.
Features such as Quick Access, Video History and Gaze Mode will all be supported by Samsung Internet for Gear VR when it's in use. Bluetooth devices such as mice and keyboards can also be utilized in Samsung Internet for Gear VR. An on-screen keyboard and voice input makes text input easy for program users, and Reorientation now allows for viewing in any position, even when laying down.
The Samsung mobile devices that can support the program are the Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge with Gear VR. Samsung Internet for Gear VR is now available for download in the Oculus Store.
