Creating VR content today can be complicated, but Viro is hoping to make the process a bit easier for developers looking to get started with building immersive experiences.
Their platform makes use of the React framework along with a proprietary rendering engine to put the required tools in the hands of developers. Viro claims its quick guide will get you started in just ten minutes.
Viro is focused on making basic VR content more accessible
Out the box, Viro has support for several major VR devices including Google Daydream, Gear VR, and Google Cardboard on both iOS and Android. It’s a code-once platform, eliminating the need to change the code for the various devices. And when you do make changes, Viro has a reload function which is says is just ‘like refreshing a browser.’
Rather than create an entirely new application, Viro allows you to expand your existing 2D application with VR features such as 360-degree photo tours and 3D models. You don’t even need Xcode or Android Studio.
Viro is focused on making basic VR content more accessible to help it reach greater adoption. It acknowledges for certain scenarios – like games – developers will need to use a more powerful but complicated tool such as Unity for things like realistic physics and complex lighting.
“VR needs more content,” CEO Danny Moon told TechCrunch, “And different toolsets allow developers to create different types of experiences. Viro allows mobile developers to build native VR.”
The first public release of Viro has been released, and it’s free. You can find some test code over on their GitHub page, or some compiled work is available in their Viro Media app (iOS/Android).
Do you think Viro will help make basic VR development more accessible? Share your thoughts in the comments.
