Page 24 - AeM_Sept_2017

TECHNOLOGIES & PRODUCTS

Opera introduces first browser to

support 360-degree videos in virtual

reality headsets

Opera’s new developer update comes with a built-in VR ers, which is why the company has begun to focus on
360 player for leading headsets such as HTC Vive, Ocu- creating and embedding direct VR playback into the
lus Rift and other OpenVR compatible devices, unlocking browser. This functionality enables users to watch virtu-
the immersive world of 360-degree videos for Opera us- al reality videos and standard 2D videos instantly
ers. through their VR headsets.

VR will change how we experience the web forever

The rapid growth of the 360 videos and soon WebVR
bring an exciting revolution for VR content on the web.
However, with limited software support, it has been diffi-
cult for VR headset owners to easily enjoy the fast-
growing library of 360-degree content on Youtube, Face-
book and other video portals. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuTRPjlHU-A

So far, they had to use inconvenient workarounds, like
downloading the video first - including spending time on
finding a “download” button and waiting for the download
- then quitting the browser and launching a separate
player app, but wasting time and bandwidth on blindly
downloading a video that is out-of-date.
Opera wants to bring the best web experience to its us-
24 September 2017 - Immersive & Engagement Marketing (AR / VR)