Google is continually striving to find new ways to support virtual reality (VR) development, whether that’s through projects like Poly or its Resonance Audio SDK. Today the technology giant has announced its latest initiative, a philanthropy program that gives resources, training and tools to organizations, non-profits, and advocates for change who want to make immersive VR content to support their cause called Daydream Impact.
VR and 360-degree video is being used across the world as a means of highlighting and showcasing to viewers issues and challenges that are affecting the world around them. With Daydream Impact there are a couple of components to the programme, where anyone can learn how to make high quality VR content via a free Coursera online training program. The course begins by outlining basic hardware requirements and pre-production checklists, and it shares tips for getting the best VR footage including best practices from other creators. The training also covers all the post-production work required to create the video and concludes with guidance on how to publish and promote the video.
As part of the second component Google’s launching a loaner program to give qualified projects access to equipment to capture and showcase VR pieces – such as a Jump Camera, an Expeditions kit, Google Daydream View and a Daydream-ready phone. Organisation leaders will be able to apply for the program, with successful applicants having six months to capture and refine their work and showcase it to their stakeholders.
The programme has already been piloted with several organisations like the Eastern Congo Initiative, which created a VR film on the struggles of the Congo and resilience of its people. “In our line of work, an emotional connection is the most powerful way to get people to take action, and our experience so far has shown that when people physically visit our work and partners in Congo, the impact is tangible and immediate. We think VR can take people half a step there,” said Dane Erickson from the Eastern Congo Initiative in a statement.
Other organisation include The Rising Seas Project which is using VR and simulations to experience changes in our coastline environments and Harmony Labs which created three anti-bullying pieces to pilot in schools.
The World Wildlife Fund & Condition One, UNAIDS, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Protect our Winters, and Novo Media will be sharing their upcoming projects and case studies in 2018.
For further updates on Daydream Impact, keep reading VRFocus.
via Mint VR