YouTube to launch VR app


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Editor

| 20 May 2016




“A YouTube experience like nothing you've seen before,” is what Google’s online video platform is promising with a virtual reality (VR) app that it says it will launch before the end of 2016.



YouTube VR 20 May 2016The moves towards VR is the latest outcome in work that YouTube has been carrying out for over a year in adding to its core online video offer. This includes support for new video and audio formats such as adding like 360° video, VR video and Spatial Audio. These say the company were the first steps on its way toward a truly immersive video experience, and it claims to be taking another one with the launch of a YouTube VR app for Daydream, Google's platform for mobile virtual reality.

Unveiled at the Google I/O conference, Daydream is set for launch in Autumn 2016. Once available, it will encompass a number of VR devices and enable high quality immersive experiences on Android smartphones.

Google says that that it is working with a number of smartphone manufacturers to create a specification for Daydream-ready phones that will have high-performance sensors for smooth, accurate head tracking, fast response displays to minimise blur, and powerful mobile processors. Daydream-ready phones will take advantage of VR mode in Android N, a set of optimisations for virtual reality built into Android. With Daydream, Google has also created a reference design for a headset and an intuitive controller.

Key to making Daydream take off will be the success of the new YouTube VR app is said to be able to provide an easier, more immersive way to find and experience virtual reality content. It also comes with existing YouTube features such as voice search, discovery, and playlists. These will be personalised so that users will be able to experience what is intended to be the world's largest collection of VR videos in a whole new way.

YouTube also revealed that already it had been working with creators and content owners such as the NBA, BuzzFeed and Tastemade to explore new ways of storytelling in virtual environments and to gain lessons about the way creators and viewers interact with VR video. To help make the production of VR video more accessible, Google has also been working with camera partners to make devices for the Jump product line, such as the GoPro Odyssey, available to creators, It has officially launched a Jump programme at the YouTube Spaces in Los Angeles and New York City.

“We’re just beginning to understand what a truly immersive VR experience can bring to fans of YouTube, but we’re looking forward to making that future a (virtual) reality,” commented Kurt Wilms, senior product manager, YouTube Virtual Reality. “Thanks to the big, early bet we made on 360-degree and 3D video, you will be able to see all of YouTube’s content on the app—everything from classic 16x9 videos to 360° footage to cutting-edge VR experiences in full 3D. Whether you want a front row seat to your favourite concert, access to the best museums in the world, or a midday break from work watching your favourite YouTube creator, YouTube VR will have it all.”