YouTube to support virtual reality using Google Cardboard headset

YouTube announced that its users can now enjoy 3D, 360-degree virtual reality worlds using an Android smartphone connected to a Google Cardboard headset.

Telegraph UK has reported that there are now available virtual reality videos in YouTube that viewers can choose from. Some of these videos are the Hunger Games Experience and TOMS Shoes Giving Trip. According to YouTube, there are already a dozen videos in their app that offers the VR experience. People can even shoot their own VR videos using Jump and share it on YouTube.

YouTube VR product manager Kurt Wilms said in his blog post, "Using the same tricks that we humans use to see the world, VR video gives you a sense of depth as you look around in every direction. Near things look near, far things look far."

According to Reuters, users need to call up a virtual reality video by clicking the VR mode button on the YouTube app. Their Android device must be plugged to Alphabet's "Cardboard" headset, which gives the viewing experience. According to YouTube, the viewers will see videos that resemble what an IMAX theater screen shows.

CNET's very own Richard Nieva gave the new feature a try at YouTube's San Bruno, California headquarters. He said the experience truly "puts you in a digital world that feels real." He also praised Google's Cardboard headset, which he described as no-frills and can easily turn a smartphone into a VR viewer. This is crucial, considering that other tech giants like Samsung and Facebook are now also trying to bring VR to the mainstream.

Meanwhile, VR Trade organization Immersive Technology Alliance executive director Neil Schneider noted that YouTube already announced 3D videos back in 2009, and is also one of the early adopters of high-definition videos. This is why it does not come as a surprise that the company would add virtual reality into their features.