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Google announced last week that the latest version of Chrome, its popular web browser, will support virtual reality (VR) on the web, allowing any user to view VR content on any device, across any platform.

For a more immersive experience, users can view WebVR content on Daydream-ready devices, such as the Pixel. Users without a Daydream headset or compatible device can still view the content, but in a 360-video-type fashion, similar to Google's Street View.

For now, only a few websites offer VR content, however, Google is working with developers to increase this number. The company also revealed it will be opening WebVR to other VR headsets, like Cardboard and Oculus Rift.

WebVR has gained plenty of attention recently, with Facebook's Oculus and Samsung Gear VR both adding WebVR support in the last few months. That's because WebVR has multiple benefits for consumers and developers alike, which ultimately helps platforms:

WebVR makes VR much more accessible to consumers. WebVR is more accessible to consumers than the less affordable computer- and console-powered headsets, like the HTC Vive and PlayStation VR. It's also available on both the web and the headset, therefore broadening the content base.

WebVR could incentivize developers to build more VR content. Support for browser apps could lure in developers that were initially reluctant to make moves until they assessed how adoption of the technology would evolve. As competition between VR platforms continues to heat up, having more developers building content is key to attracting the best VR experiences.

Web apps also make it easier for potential users to sample new VR content without needing to download and store it on their phones. Because of the complexity of VR content, it can be a drain on both phone storage and battery life. Accessing this content over the web fixes at least one of these issues since users can essentially stream the content from the web.