Firefox Reality is a browser designed for virtual reality, with the intention of this being a browser that can be used entirely inside a virtual reality headset. A wearer of VR headset will be able to visit web pages, search of information and browse the 2D and 3D internet within the new browser.
According to Mozilla: “Firefox Reality was specifically designed to tackle all of the new opportunities (and challenges) that come with browsing in VR.”
The new browser has been configured to work with leading VR headsets like Oculus, Viveport and Daydream. In addition to browsing, Firefox Reality will provide a range of immersive games, videos, environments and virtual reality experiences.
According to Mozilla’s Chief R&D officer Sean White: “The mixed reality team at Mozilla set out to build a web browser that has been designed from the ground up to work on standalone virtual and augmented reality (or mixed reality) headsets.”
The video below provides an introduction to the new browser:
According to TechCrunch Mozilla is ahead of the game with the new offering, stating that the web “is a pretty natural fit for VR”. The future possibilities are interesting in that a number of aspects of the web will be reimagined inside virtual reality, especially in terms of three-dimensional modelling or live rendering content for virtual environments.
The Next Web is impressed with the concept although it is noted that although virtual reality hardware is improving, it has yet to “go mainstream”. The Firefox innovation may help to promote the sale of headsets and the availability of a virtual browser will not to any harm.
Mozilla are providing support for developers. To construct WebVR applications from beginning requires using the platform WebGL. To assist with this, most developers use some sort of a library, framework, or game engine, which Mozilla provides support for.
Firefox Reality is available as a version 1.0. Some features like bookmarks, 360° videos, and user accounts are not yet available, although an update is expected in coming weeks.
