WebVR

What is WebVR?

WebVR is an open standard that allows users to access virtual reality experiences directly through web browsers, eliminating installation barriers and making immersive content more accessible across different devices and platforms.

How does WebVR work?

This browser-based approach to virtual reality significantly lowers the barrier to entry for both users and developers by leveraging familiar web technologies rather than requiring specialized software installation. Through JavaScript APIs, WebVR enables browsers to detect connected VR hardware, render stereoscopic 3D scenes, and process spatial input data from controllers and tracking systems.

For developers, this creates opportunities to reach broader audiences who might be hesitant to download dedicated applications or invest in high-end computing hardware. Content creators can build experiences that adapt to different capabilities, from mobile phone-based VR to advanced headsets, using a single codebase.

How is WebVR used?

The technology is particularly valuable for educational content, product visualizations, and promotional experiences where universal accessibility outweighs the performance advantages of native applications. While WebVR has been superseded by the more comprehensive WebXR standard, the principles of browser-based immersive experiences remain fundamentally the same.