As more and more virtual reality (VR) technology is rolling out of manufacturers and into the market, and VR tech is actually getting more accessible to users (read: getting cheaper), purveyors of content are now making sure they get a ride on that bandwagon as well. YouTube, Google’s very own online video mega-repository, is making sure that the new version of its app is VR friendly.
First up, the YouTube app now supports a new category of content called “VR Videos”. These are videos created with VR-enabled camera setups like Google’s Jump and other such cameras out there in the market. The resulting video is one that will give viewers a different sense of depth and access to different directions. With content like this, you can press the new “Google Cardboard” icon on the settings, pop your phone into a Google Cardboard viewer, and you’re good to go.
The second one is for existing YouTube content that you can view on a Google Cardboard viewer for that cinematic and private viewing experience. You can also tap the Google Cardboard icon on the video and view the content on your viewer, as the app configures it so that it is optimized for a VR headset.
Pretty cool, YouTube. These new features are now active on the latest version of the YouTube app. Check out your update notifications, or download the app via the Play Store if you still don’t have it.
SOURCE: Google
