A month and a half after the launch of the Oculus Quest 6DOF All-in-One VR headset, YouTube has launched the YouTube VR app on Oculus Go headsets, available for download directly from the Oculus Store. YouTube VR will thus join the ranks of Google Daydream VR, Sony PlayStation VR and Samsung Gear VR and will thus be an added feature for potential buyers of the Facebook-branded VR headset.
The YouTube VR renders support for standard videos in a VR theatre mode as well as 360-degree videos. Users will be able to pair with friends and watch videos with others wearing other headsets. This means users will be able to watch live concerts, enjoy simulated clips and documentaries with an added immersive experience.
The teaming up of Facebook and Google looks out of place for the latest YouTube VR app, but this is the first time the app is accessible to non-Google products. Google’s own Daydream VR headsets was never up to the levels of Sony and Samsung in terms of content and features but with YouTube VR, things are expected to change.
It’s noted that to watch 360-degree content on YouTube VR, you don’t actually need a VR headset. Users can watch 360-degree videos by moving their phones while watching a video or moving the cursor when using it on a PC. The same on an Oculus Go will be more engrossing since latest technologies let users even tilt their head slightly to view content from a different angle.
To recall, the Oculus Go is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Chipset which was featured on the original Pixel smartphone and is paired with up to 64GB storage. The VR headset comes with a fast switch WQHD LCD screen with a Pixel density of 538 ppi, builtin audio, and microphone unit. Users will be able to enjoy the new Oculus TV service that will provide a personalised 3D surround experience like watching TV across a virtual living room or a theatre.