Learning Virtual Reality: Developing Immersive Experiences and Applications for Desktop, Web, and Mobile

As virtual reality approaches mainstream consumer use, a vibrant development ecosystem has emerged in the past few years. This hands-on guide takes you through VR development essentials for desktop, mobile, and browser-based applications. You ll explore the three go-to platforms OculusVR, Gear VR, and Cardboard VR as well as several VR development environments, programming tools, and techniques.

If you re an experienced programmer familiar with mobile development, this book will help you gain a working knowledge of VR development through clear and simple examples. Once you create a complete application in the final chapter, you ll have a jumpstart on the next major entertainment medium.

• Learn VR basics for UI design, 3D graphics, and stereo rendering
• Explore Unity3D, the current development choice among game engines
• Create native applications for desktop computers with the Oculus Rift
• Develop mobile applications for Samsung s Gear VR with the Android and Oculus Mobile SDKs
• Build browser-based applications with the WebVR Javascript API and WebGL
• Create simple and affordable mobile apps for any smartphone with Google s Cardboard VR
• Bring everything together to build a 360-degree panoramic photo viewer