Kios mode for 360 video

Let’s run through a real-life scenario: You want to show a great 360 video, you launch the gallery app and select the video. Press pause and hand the VR headset to the other person. Now here’s the remote, just point at the video and press resume … or play … no that’s back … Hand me the VR headset back again, something went wrong… Sounds familiar? Why is such a simple task so difficult to accomplish on a virtual reality headset? You’re not the first person to ask this question, the solution is actually simple: A kiosk mode for 360 video. Let’s find out how this hidden feature can change the way you use VR.

Pass & Pray

Instead of Pass & Play most shared VR experiences are more like Pass & Pray. The moment you hand over a VR headset you lose control. The awkward menu system is not designed for new users like your friends, relatives or customers at an event. It’s like watching someone fumble their way through a PowerPoint presentation when the laser pointer doesn’t function properly, the beamer displays anything but the presentation, while the keynote speaker softly curses under his breath. The most heard complaint while using virtual reality for sales and presentation purposes is the lack of control once the headset is handed over. Stop praying and start playing with kiosk mode for 360 video!

What’s kiosk mode?

You’ve encountered kiosk mode many times, and often you don’t even notice it. That’s the point, a device like a computer or a tablet is limited to one specific function in order to provide the user with an intuitive experience. In simple terms: instead of letting users roam free you create a fenced playground with appropriate safety measures. Simple restrictions like removing functionality of the home button, or minimizing a window can change the entire experience. So how does this relate to kiosk mode for 360 video?

360 degree video has become very popular the last few years due to the rise of VR headsets in both personal and professional settings. The immersive nature of VR video is great for educational videos, promotional material or advertising. However, these are individual experiences, the moment someone puts on the headset you lose control. With a kiosk mode for 360 video you can control the headset to display the intended content and nothing more. Exiting to the Home Screen or starting another application is no longer possible.

How does it work?

Activating this particular mode is different for each system, however it’s possible on most Android based VR headsets. The Oculus Go, Samsung Gear VR and Pico G2 are popular examples of standalone VR devices that run on Android. All systems have their own system running on top of Google Android, if this shell is bypassed it’s possible to start a kiosk mode for 360 video. Some devices make this easy, others make it quite a challenge. Look & Play is a solution developed by VR Owl that makes the process easy and hassle-free. Also important: it’s completely reversible and does not damage the hardware or software in any way.

What’s possible with kiosk mode for 360 video?

Although there have been many interactive applications developed for virtual reality, the most popular application is still 360 video. This type of content requires the least interaction on the part of the user, and provides a company or organization with an effective tool to present information to the employee or client. With an easy to use kiosk mode the user can view any 360 video without prior knowledge of virtual reality software or hardware. It’s possible to start one single video and play it back, loop video sequences or create a playlist. It’s also an option to create interactive video experiences without a VR controller.

Gaze based interaction

With kiosk mode for 360 video we have limited the interactive functionality of the device, so how can the user choose a different video? “Gazing” means watching in a particular direction for some time. The software starts counting down for a couple of seconds and then activates the chosen video. This means a completely hands free operation, a remote controller is not required. Gaze based interaction in combination with an easy to use interface allows for a VR experience that everyone will enjoy.

Non-destructive

Let’s emphasize that a kiosk mode for 360 video is a non-destructive process. The limitations can be switched off temporarily or permanently, the device can be turned back to its default state. Because suppliers of VR headsets choose not to offer a kiosk mode for 360 video, or make the process difficult, a third party solution will unleash the true potential of virtual reality. VR Owl offers their own Look & Play software which allows users to create video galleries using gaze based interactions. Contact them for more information about this product.