In a previous blog post I explained the underlying XR (Extended Reality) technologies that enable the Metaverse.
In this post I will explain the impact of WebXR on the future of the internet and show some examples of what it is capable of.
Table of Contents
What is WebXR
To understand what WebXR is, you need to first understand what Extended Reality is, luckily for you I’ve already written a blog post all about that – click here to check it out!
In a nutshell, WebXR is an api on web browsers, that allows the XR hardware (such as headsets and mobiles devices) to work on websites through the use of WebGL.
In practical terms, this means that when you visit a webpage – you will be able to interact with the 3D content – regardless of what device you are on.
As an example, see this below interactive graphic of the word ‘WebXR’.
If you open it on a desktop / tablet / mobile device, you will be able to interact with it by tapping/clicking it. If you are on an AR, MR or VR capable device (e.g a Virtual Reality Headset), it will give you the option to interact with it in XR.
Why use WebXR
Traditionally XR has been limited to native apps that must be downloaded onto a users device, this has been due to hardware and software limitations.
WebXR has huge potential, for the same reason that web apps have advantages over native apps – they are just easier and quicker to get up on your device and use!
As technical limitations for WebXR shrink, exciting benefits become clearer:
Examples of WebXR
Whilst WebXR is still in active development, it already has a lot of exciting applications that have been created for all sorts of categories.
Creative Technologist