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