Being able to view the internet entirely in virtual reality (VR) is one of the next big steps to make the technology more widely accepted. Mozilla is pushing this initiative forward with its Firefox Reality browser. Today, as part of the announcements around Valve Index, Mozilla has confirmed it’s working on a version compatible with SteamVR.
Mozilla has been working with Valve to bring Firefox Reality to the platform, which would allow any headset compatible with SteamVR – including Valve Index – to be able to use the immersive browser. It’s not available just yet, however, in the next few months SteamVR users will be able to install Firefox Reality via a new web dashboard button, launching a browser window over any OpenVR experience.
“With a few simple clicks, users will be able to access web content such as tips or guides or stream a Twitch comment channel without having to exit their immersive experiences,” says Andre Vrignaud, Head of Mixed Reality Strategy in a statement. “In addition, users will be able to log into their Firefox account once, and access synced bookmarks and cookies across both Firefox and Firefox Reality — no need to log in twice!”
Adding SteamVR support should allow Firefox Reality to reach more users and further improve its headset compatibility. The browser is already compatible with headsets such as Vive Wave devices, Oculus Go and Google Daydream View, as well as an early developer preview for Magic Leap One. Back in February during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2019 event in Spain, Mozilla revealed a collaboration with Microsoft to bring Firefox Reality to the new HoloLens 2.
Firefox Reality saw a public release in September 2018 as a means to deliver 3D web and immersive content to VR headset users, updated in the following months to include 360-degree video support as well as additional languages. Firefox Reality also happens to be the default web browser across HTC Vive’s entire range of headsets.
Valve and Mozilla plan on releasing Firefox Reality for SteamVR this summer. It can be Wishlisted on the Steam store, and when further details are released VRFocus will let you know.
via Mint VR