YouTube has launched a new app which allows users to watch the company’s online video catalogue in virtual reality – as long as they have the right phone and headset.
The app is only available through Google’s new Daydream View headset, which currently only works with the company’s Pixel phone.
Google launched the Pixel phone last month – the first ‘Daydream-ready’ device – with the Daydream View following shortly after.
Daydream is the firm’s virtual reality platform that provides a range of VR experiences from videos to games and virtual tours of iconic locations.
Related: What is Daydream VR?
Unfortunately, for now, those with any handset other than a Pixel or Pixel XL will be unable to take advantage of the newly released YouTube VR app.
The app will allow users to watch standard YouTube videos on a virtual screen, as well as 360-degree content.
Google-owned YouTube said in a blog post: “This new standalone app was built from the ground up and optimized for VR.
“…Every single video on the platform becomes an immersive VR experience, from 360-degree videos that let you step inside the content to standard videos shown on a virtual movie screen in the new theater mode.
Related: Pixel XL review
“The app even includes some familiar features like voice search and a signed in experience so you can follow the channels you subscribe to, check out your playlists and more.”
There’s no word on when or if YouTube VR will make it to other platforms, such as the Gear VR or the high-end headsets: the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
However, the wording of the post seems to indicate there will be a larger rollout in the near future, with YouTube saying the app will be ‘available first on Daydream’. Stay tuned for more soon.
WATCH: Should you buy a VR headset?
Let us know if you want to see the app come to more VR platforms in the comments.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
