A user with an eye for detail claims that the latest stable version of Chrome now supports the Oculus Rift headset with a few tweaks.
Back in 2014, developers of Google Chrome promised this kind of integration with VR headsets. However, only now that they finally included the feature albeit with a little effort to activate the feature.
The latest patch is apparently listed as version 66 of the popular web browser. It is also supposedly prepared to support WebVR for the headset and its touch controllers by default.
Activating The Flag
Users can verify it themselves if the web browser has been updated through its version number, which should be at 66.0.3359.117. To access the menu, type in "chrome://flags" in the address bar, browse through the listings and find the "Oculus browser support" option.
Once enabled, the VR headset should function as intended and support the virtual reality experience for certain services via the browser. The setting is enabled by default, but users can access the menu to disable the feature manually any time.
People Give It A Shot
Several people have already tested the new feature and confirmed that it works as advertised. FlukeRogi, a Reddit user, shared his experience with the new Chrome functionality.
"Just tried it and yep, it works (had a quick look at the Google Mars surface demo). Without the flag enabled, you just get an option for a desktop 360 view. Enable the flag though and an option to view in VR is there. And it launches it straight to the headset," the user wrote.
It remains to be seen if the web browser's new functionality will be the preferred option for Oculus Rift users in the future. Carmel, the VR headset's own VR web browser is still currently under development, so it turns out well for the popular platform.
History Of WebVR And Cheaper Alternatives
Google actually added the WebVR support for Daydream headsets back in 2017, but it was for Chrome on Android devices. Most insiders pointed out that the Oculus Rift support for the desktop version of the browser came as a surprise. Prior to the latest update, the only non-Google headset to receive WebVR support was the Gear VR from Samsung.
For now, the most cost-effective way to enjoy the virtual reality experience via WebVR supported content is Google's Cardboard. However, smartphones that have Daydream support can opt for the Daydream View headset, which is currently sold for only $50 until April 28. The original selling price for the device is $100 so buyers can save $50 on their purchase.
The Sony PlayStation VR has continued to enjoy its position as the best-selling virtual reality headset. The competitors' products normally require a beefy CPU, which can be quite expensive for some users.
