Cannot wait to try this. Pixel is here, but headset is still coming.
This only works on the HTC Vive, not the Daydream.
Realized this after reading more. Bummer.
Google Earth VR
71–80 of 159 posts
Re: Google Earth VR
#72Re: Google Earth VR
#73>Google Earth VR is first available on Steam for the HTC Vive The lack of a common VR framework, and no expectation from consumers that a VR-enabled application will be cross-compatible between different systems is the main reason I have not yet bought a headset, and advise people asking me against buying. The VR landscape right now looks like it suffers from consolitis, and I will never support such business models.
Anything that is built on SteamVR is cross-compatible with Oculus Touch, so not sure what your problem is. The only reason they don't market it as such is that Oculus Touch is not publicly available yet. As a current Touch owner I can assure you that every SteamVR app works with Touch today.
Edit: However, ironically Google has put in a software check for HTC Vive and blocks any other headsets. I imagine they'll do a proper Oculus "launch" when Oculus Touch launches.
Re: Google Earth VR
#74I played this for about 2 hours recently, and it’s so much fun! Flying around like that really gives you a perspective of your home town that you don’t usually get. For instance, I have discovered that there’s actually train tracks underneath a bridge over which I drive fairly frequently — from inside the tram, I never saw them. Notably, this is significantly better than the “liquid galaxy” installations one can find…
What else is on the list of things you show people who are new to VR?
I've demoed to dozens of people.
1. Job Simulator
2. Tilt Brush
3. Space Pirate Trainer
4. Accounting
5. https://aframe.io/a-painter/ (for WebVR)
Re: Google Earth VR
#75>Google Earth VR is first available on Steam for the HTC Vive The lack of a common VR framework, and no expectation from consumers that a VR-enabled application will be cross-compatible between different systems is the main reason I have not yet bought a headset, and advise people asking me against buying. The VR landscape right now looks like it suffers from consolitis, and I will never support such business models.
You should check out WebVR (https://mozvr.com) with frameworks such as https://aframe.io/, a VR web framework aiming to allowing to work across all platforms (mobile, desktop, Vive, Rift, etc.). The business model there is as you like, you can publish on your own without anyone taking cuts.
Re: Google Earth VR
#76Earlier quoted context omitted.
I very much doubt these places will allow virtual visitors if they forbid real ones. That is, I doubt Google will be allowed to drive through North Korea with their cars. :)
would satellite imagery be sufficient?
The area around the White House is intentionally pixelated. Israel does not allow detailed maps in certain places - GPS navigation devices don't work there.
Re: Google Earth VR
#77I really think something like this will displace some tourism/sightseeing (at least at the margins). I have done a ton of traveling all over the world and would much prefer a VR experience like this instead of cramming onto an airplane like cattle for hours, getting accused of being a drug lord at every border crossing, dealing with foreigners who seem to hate Americans, etc. Most tourist cities are pretty much the s…
While it's a fair prediction in the long term, I find apps like these make me want to visit the physical locations even more. Just like seeing photos or videos of a foreign city may spark your intrigue, so does Google Earth VR, at least for me.
Re: Google Earth VR
#78Just tried this with HTC Vive. One of the best VR experiences I've had.
It really is incredible. The UI design is amazing too.
Re: Google Earth VR
#79Earlier quoted context omitted.
What else is on the list of things you show people who are new to VR?
Valve’s The Lab is fantastic and is usually one of the first things I show. Next up is Job Simulator. Lots of fun and attention to detail in there. Then Tilt Brush, because it’s surprisingly fun, even for non-artists. Earth VR probably goes into the list at this position right here :). The Cubicle ( https://steamcommunity.com/app/452490 ) has a nice twist to it, but is far less polished than the ones I previously lis…
I would caution against demoing Hover Junkers to first timers, especially without an explicit and careful discussion of nausea first. It is the only game anyone has listed thus far that has 'unnatural' movement, which for me at least, causes extremely unpleasant nausea that lasts multiple hours after removing the headset.
Re: Google Earth VR
#80Of course. Only available on the HTC Vive. I regret my oculus rift purchase.
It's built on SteamVR so it supports Oculus natively (edit: however Google has added a software check to Google Earth VR to block any other headset, which I imagine they'll remove once Oculus Touch launches). Since you don't need hand controllers for the guided tours it should still be a pretty good experience. And Oculus Touch in 3 weeks will allow for the full experience. As an early Touch owner I think a lot of Vive owners will be regretting their purchase.