Watch any YouTube video in VR mode
YouTube is home to several zillion videos, but until recently, only
Android users could take advantage of Cardboard mode -- a split-screen
view designed for use with Google Cardboard and other VR headsets.
That changed today with the release of YouTube 11.18 for iOS, which adds support for Google Cardboard. Now anything on YouTube can be viewed in VR mode -- even if it's not a VR or 360 video.
This bears a bit of explanation, starting with how you actually activate the setting:
Step 1: Open the YouTube app and start playing any video. (Might I recommend something from CNET, or perhaps this episode of "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee"?)
Step 2: Tap the three-dot "More" icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap Cardboard, then insert your phone into your VR headset.
Presto! Assuming it's an ordinary video, Cardboard mode effectively gives you the equivalent of movie-theater viewing.
However, if you head to YouTube's 360 Videos channel, you'll find a huge collection of clips that really take advantage of Cardboard mode. That's because they were shot in 360 degrees, which is where the whole VR thing really starts to shine.
In fact, these videos are so VR-ready they have a Cardboard icon right on the main screen; no need to venture into the More menu.
This is just the latest step in Google's increased support for iPhone VR. Back in March, the company introduced a Cardboard-oriented SDK designed to make it easier for software developers to integrate 360-degree video.
Meanwhile, Google's I/O conference kicks off Wednesday, and if the scheduled VR at Google session is any indication, there's more VR news to come. (My prediction: "Google Cardboard" gives way to a bigger, broader "Google VR" branding.)
Step 3: Tap Cardboard, then insert your phone into your VR headset.
Presto! Assuming it's an ordinary video, Cardboard mode effectively gives you the equivalent of movie-theater viewing.
However, if you head to YouTube's 360 Videos channel, you'll find a huge collection of clips that really take advantage of Cardboard mode. That's because they were shot in 360 degrees, which is where the whole VR thing really starts to shine.
In fact, these videos are so VR-ready they have a Cardboard icon right on the main screen; no need to venture into the More menu.
This is just the latest step in Google's increased support for iPhone VR. Back in March, the company introduced a Cardboard-oriented SDK designed to make it easier for software developers to integrate 360-degree video.
Meanwhile, Google's I/O conference kicks off Wednesday, and if the scheduled VR at Google session is any indication, there's more VR news to come. (My prediction: "Google Cardboard" gives way to a bigger, broader "Google VR" branding.)
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