Kiosk Mode for your own VR app
In this guide we’ll guide you through the process of installing Kiosk mode for your own VR app. After which your VR app will automatically start when the device is powered on. Installation will take around 10 minutes.
What you need to get started
- Your VR Device(s)
- A USB cable
- A Windows 10 PC
- Zip file for Kiosk Mode for your VR app
Enabling developer mode
First make sure you have downloaded zip file and unzip it on your computer. In order to install you need to enable developer mode for your VR device and activate USB debugging. You can find instructions for the Oculus GO here and the PICO here.
Step 2. Install Kiosk Mode
Connect your VR device to your computer using USB. Make sure it’s the only Android device connected. Install Kiosk mode by double clicking the ‘install appforcer.bat’ file in the unzipped folder.
Step 3 Obtaining your Bundle ID
The Kiosk Mode software need to know which app to start when booting. This is done by using a Bundle ID, a reference to the application which usually consists of a reversed URL. For example:‘ nl.vrowl.eventapp.android’ is the Bundle ID for Look&Play.
You can find the Bundle ID by:
- Contacting the developer of the app
- Opening your .apk file using Winzip or Winrar. Then open AndroidManifest.xml using MS Notepad. Search for phrase ‘package’ or ‘Build Version Name’ and you should find something similar to: nl.vrowl.eventapp.android
- If the app is installed in the Play store it’s in the URL. In the Look&Play URL you see it clearly visible: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.vrowl.eventapp.android&hl=nl
Step 4. Configuring Kiosk Mode
By default the Kiosk mode starts the Look&Play app. To start your own app, first create a text file with Notepad, then paste your Bundle ID and name the file appforcerconfig.txt. Lastly paste the file in the root folder (next to folders like ‘Android’ and ‘Download’) of your VR device.
Step 4. Using Kiosk Mode
Running Kiosk Mode
Kiosk Mode will always run in the background and start when the VR device boots. The user can’t the application and will be forced back to the app after a few seconds.
Disable Kiosk Mode
To disable Kiosk mode you need to alternate the volume buttons 3 times within 3 seconds (so 6 presses total). Make sure the volume is not set to 0 when doing so.
Uninstalling Kiosk Mode
Since Kiosk Mode is not a VR app, it will not show up in the list of regular apps. You can use the uninstall script to remove the Kiosk mode. Simply connect your VR device to your PC and click the uninstall appforcer.bat to remove Kiosk mode from your device.
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よくある質問
Nothing matches your criteria.
サポートされているプラットフォーム
どのプラットフォームに対応していますか？
Look＆Playは、Oculus Go、Google Daydream、PICOVR、Androidデバイスに対応しています。
Androidスマートフォンの最小要件は何ですか？
一般的な経験則として、スマートフォンにはジャイロスコープとVR動画を再生するのに十分なコンピューティングパワーが必要です。こちらでスマートフォンにジャイロスコープが搭載されているかどうかを確認できます：https://www.gsmarena.com/ さらに、YouTubeまたはスマートフォンで360°を開くことで、スマートフォンがVRビデオを再生できるかどうかを確認することもできます。
Look＆PlayはOculus Goで動作しますか？
はい、動作します。
コンテンツ
Look＆Playは4K解像度をサポートしていますか？
はい、Look＆Playは最大4Kのモノスコピックおよびステレオスコピックビデオをサポートしています。
どのような種類のコンテンツがサポートされていますか？
Look&Playがサポートするコンテンツ：モノスコピック360°動画‐ステレオスコピック360°動画‐空間オーディオ‐ブランディングウェイティングルームの360°写真。動画仕様：コーデック：H265またはH264 .mp4ファイル解像度：3840×1920 FPS：30最大ビットレート：16 mb / sオーディオ：ステレオaacオーディオまたは.tbeブランド仕様：コーデックJPFG、PNG解像度の背景：3480×1920解像度のアイコン：512×512
デバイスにはいくつのコンテンツをロードできますか？
360°動画は無制限にアップロードする事ができ、各フォルダーに最大20個のビデオファイルを追加可能です。最大数は、デバイスの容量によってのみ制限されます。
360°動画の推奨スペックは何ですか？
コーデック：H265またはH264解像度：3840×1920 FPS：30最大ビットレート：16 mb / sオーディオ：ステレオaacオーディオまたは.tbe
360°背景の推奨スペックは何ですか？
コーデックJPG、PNG解像度：3840×1920
アイコンの推奨スペックは何ですか？
Codex PNG解像度：512×512背景が透明なアイコンを使用することを強くお勧めします。
空間オーディオをサポートしていますか？
はい、Two Big Ear（.tbe）ファイルをサポートしています。
ステレオスコピック360動画をサポートしていますか？
はい、ステレオスコピックTBおよびLR、およびモノスコピックファイルをサポートしています。
2Dで動画を再生することはできますか？
はい、2Dビデオと画像は、接尾辞が_2dのファイルでサポートされています。 例：myvideo_2d.mp4またはmyimage_2d.png。
どのようなオーディオがサポートされていますか？
Two Big Ears（.tbe）の形式の標準オーディオと空間オーディオをサポートしています
Kiosk mode for VR headsets
Kiosk mode for VR headsets
Have you ever wanted to show a customer or a friend a cool 360 video or an app to sell your product? Only to discover this person switched apps while your weren’t paying attention? With the Kiosk mode for VR headsets you will take control of the Virtual Reality experience, while delivering your customers and friends with the experience you want them to experience. What is Kiosk mode, why use it and how can you activate this option for your Virtual Reality headset? All these questions will be answered in this article!
What is VR Kiosk mode?
If you want to show a presentation on a computer device like a computer, tablet or a Virtual Reality headset, the system will not be protected from user interaction. On a TV screen in a waiting room this is not an issue, but when a device is used with build-in interactive features this could pose a problem. With the Kiosk mode option some or all interactive features are disabled for the end user. This allows you to show an application without the possibility to switch apps or return to the home screen.
Why use a VR Kiosk mode for VR headsets?
On one hand the interactive possibilities of VR headsets are the main attraction, on the other hand it can pose a problem if you hand the VR glasses over to a potential customer. With a Virtual Reality headset in particular you lose control over the presentation at the moment the user puts on the headset. One wrong button press and the client will see the home screen or a completely different app. This will take the user out of the experience, and it can cost you precious time while a que of potential customers keeps growing longer.
How to activate advanced features on your Virtual Reality headset
Most VR glasses are created for end users or professionals, and not for promotional activities. They operate using a central interface or app launcher with easy access to all features of the headset. Restricting buttons and features is usually not a standard option. But there are several solutions to force the system in a locked off mode for presentation purposes. Here are the three most often used methods:
- A developer mode is activated allowing the user to configure custom settings including a Kiosk VR mode for VR headsets.
- The original startup sequence of the device is replaced with an alternative program.
- After booting the device a third-party app is installed onto the device allowing the owner to set custom options.
Note that most manufacturers of Virtual Reality devices do not actively support a VR Kiosk mode for VR headsets. At the moment of writing both Pico and Lenovo officially allow this option, Oculus and HTC do not. And even the brands that support this use of their products often make it a cumbersome task to change the original software. It can’t be compared to the straightforward accessibility options that you will find in PC’s and tablet computers.
The keyword is Android
Most if not all standalone consumer VR headsets use the Android operating system as the backbone of their devices. They usually add an additional layer, like the Oculus Home interface as used on the Gear VR and the Oculus Go. Android does support restrictions on interaction, by tapping directly into this operating system it is possible to run the headset in Kiosk mode. Developers can enter ‘developer mode’ and access all available features of the system, for instance locking the device to one app, or limiting the use of the hardware buttons on the headset and the controller.
How to bypass the Kiosk mode?
You can now lock the system, but how can you exit this feature? That depends on the method used and the specific device. It could be a hard reboot or a special sequence of keypresses. This also depends on the developer that has bypassed the standard interface. It’s not the intention to render the VR glasses unusable for regular use, it’s just a temporary state that can be reversed. There are standard applications that allow anyone to install a hack, no technical expertise required. But that could backfire and void the warranty on the device. Not all manufacturers support this tampering, they can update the firmware to block these unauthorized hacks, and potentially ‘brick’ the headset in the process. It’s therefore recommended to contact a knowledgeable software developer to assist you.
Is it worth it?
If you use VR headsets in a professional environment, and in particular for presentations or a point-of-sale setup then yes, it will be definitely worth it. The setup process will vary from very easy to quite complicated, but once the Kiosk mode is activated you will quickly reap the benefits. In most cases the device can be reversed to the factory settings, so the risk of voiding the warranty is limited. Do contact a specialized company to make sure you don’t break any rules or damage your equipment. The additional features after ‘hacking’ may vary depending on the method used and the expertise of the user.
ソフトウェア機能
複数の360°動画をデバイスにロードすることはできますか？
はい、 360°動画を無制限にアップロードする事ができます。各フォルダーに最大20個の動画ファイルを追加可能で、最大数は、デバイスの容量によってのみ制限されます。
360°動画に空間オーディオを追加することはできますか？
はい、可能です。
360°動画を開始するにはどうすればよいですか？
Look＆Playアプリを起動すると、バーチャルウェイティングルームに移動します。ここで、アイコンを数秒間見ると、360°動画を開始することを選択できます。動画が終了すると、自動的にウェイティングルームに戻ります。
Look＆Playアプリはどこでダウンロードできますか？
Oculus GoおよびSamsung Gear VRの場合、ライセンス購入の際に当社から受け取るコードを使用してのみアプリをダウンロードできます。Androidデバイスの場合、Playストアでアプリをダウンロードできます。どちらのオプションでも、Look＆Playアプリの使用を開始するにはライセンスコードが必要です。
サポート
利用可能なガイドはありますか？
はい、Look＆playアプリのインストール方法、コンテンツの準備方法、デバイスへのロード方法を説明したガイドを作成しました。こちらからダウンロード可能です。
サポートページはありますか？
はい、こちらをクリックしてページに移動できます。
サポートチームにはどのように連絡できますか？
にEメールを送信するか、次の番号までお電話ください：+31 30 71 16 158
購入とライセンス
特定の日付だけライセンスを注文できますか？
はい、できます。ライセンスを購入するときに、開始日を入力する事ができます。
ライセンスの支払い方法は何ですか？
銀行振込、PayPal、クレジットカード、Bancontact、Sofort、Multibanco、Przel、ewy24、EPS、iDeal＆Giropayでお支払いいただけます。
Look&Playを再販したいのですが可能ですか？
当社は、再販業者とパートナーに特別割引を提供しています。詳細についてはsales@lookandplay.ioまでお問い合わせください。
1週間だけソフトウェアのライセンスを取得することはできますか？
はい、１週間のライセンス料は１デバイス５ユーロです。合計料金は、使用するデバイスの数によって異なります。
Look＆Playの価格モデルは何ですか？
Look＆Playでは柔軟な価格設定を提供しています。価格は、デバイスの数と使用期間によって異なります。詳細については、価格ページをご覧ください。
ライセンスを早期に終了して返金してもらうことは可能ですか？
いいえ、契約期間よりも早くライセンスを終了することはできません。
年間ライセンス中にデバイスの数を減らすことは可能ですか？
はい、可能です。デバイス数を減らしたい場合は、sales@lookandplay.ioまでメールを送信してください。
購入プロセスはどのように機能しますか？
sales@lookandplay.ioまでメールを送信するか、注文を完了させるとすぐにウェルカムメールが届きます。このメールには、利用コードとライセンスコードが含まれています。Look＆Playアプリをインストールして使用するには、これらのコードが必要になります。
ライセンスを延長するにはどうすればよいですか？
ウェブサイトにて新しいライセンスを注文するか、sales@lookandplay.ioまでメールを送信してください。ご注文後、新しいライセンスコードが記載された自動メールが届きます。このコードを使用して、Look＆Playの使用を継続する事ができます。
キオスクモード
Kiosk mode for VR headsets
Kiosk mode for VR headsets
Have you ever wanted to show a customer or a friend a cool 360 video or an app to sell your product? Only to discover this person switched apps while your weren’t paying attention? With the Kiosk mode for VR headsets you will take control of the Virtual Reality experience, while delivering your customers and friends with the experience you want them to experience. What is Kiosk mode, why use it and how can you activate this option for your Virtual Reality headset? All these questions will be answered in this article!
What is VR Kiosk mode?
If you want to show a presentation on a computer device like a computer, tablet or a Virtual Reality headset, the system will not be protected from user interaction. On a TV screen in a waiting room this is not an issue, but when a device is used with build-in interactive features this could pose a problem. With the Kiosk mode option some or all interactive features are disabled for the end user. This allows you to show an application without the possibility to switch apps or return to the home screen.
Why use a VR Kiosk mode for VR headsets?
On one hand the interactive possibilities of VR headsets are the main attraction, on the other hand it can pose a problem if you hand the VR glasses over to a potential customer. With a Virtual Reality headset in particular you lose control over the presentation at the moment the user puts on the headset. One wrong button press and the client will see the home screen or a completely different app. This will take the user out of the experience, and it can cost you precious time while a que of potential customers keeps growing longer.
How to activate advanced features on your Virtual Reality headset
Most VR glasses are created for end users or professionals, and not for promotional activities. They operate using a central interface or app launcher with easy access to all features of the headset. Restricting buttons and features is usually not a standard option. But there are several solutions to force the system in a locked off mode for presentation purposes. Here are the three most often used methods:
- A developer mode is activated allowing the user to configure custom settings including a Kiosk VR mode for VR headsets.
- The original startup sequence of the device is replaced with an alternative program.
- After booting the device a third-party app is installed onto the device allowing the owner to set custom options.
Note that most manufacturers of Virtual Reality devices do not actively support a VR Kiosk mode for VR headsets. At the moment of writing both Pico and Lenovo officially allow this option, Oculus and HTC do not. And even the brands that support this use of their products often make it a cumbersome task to change the original software. It can’t be compared to the straightforward accessibility options that you will find in PC’s and tablet computers.
The keyword is Android
Most if not all standalone consumer VR headsets use the Android operating system as the backbone of their devices. They usually add an additional layer, like the Oculus Home interface as used on the Gear VR and the Oculus Go. Android does support restrictions on interaction, by tapping directly into this operating system it is possible to run the headset in Kiosk mode. Developers can enter ‘developer mode’ and access all available features of the system, for instance locking the device to one app, or limiting the use of the hardware buttons on the headset and the controller.
How to bypass the Kiosk mode?
You can now lock the system, but how can you exit this feature? That depends on the method used and the specific device. It could be a hard reboot or a special sequence of keypresses. This also depends on the developer that has bypassed the standard interface. It’s not the intention to render the VR glasses unusable for regular use, it’s just a temporary state that can be reversed. There are standard applications that allow anyone to install a hack, no technical expertise required. But that could backfire and void the warranty on the device. Not all manufacturers support this tampering, they can update the firmware to block these unauthorized hacks, and potentially ‘brick’ the headset in the process. It’s therefore recommended to contact a knowledgeable software developer to assist you.
Is it worth it?
If you use VR headsets in a professional environment, and in particular for presentations or a point-of-sale setup then yes, it will be definitely worth it. The setup process will vary from very easy to quite complicated, but once the Kiosk mode is activated you will quickly reap the benefits. In most cases the device can be reversed to the factory settings, so the risk of voiding the warranty is limited. Do contact a specialized company to make sure you don’t break any rules or damage your equipment. The additional features after ‘hacking’ may vary depending on the method used and the expertise of the user.
Kioskモードはどのデバイスで利用できますか？
Kioskモードは、Oculus GOおよびPICOヘッドセットでご利用いただけます。
Kioskモードの価格はいくらですか？
Look＆Playアプリ用のKioskモードは無料です。ご使用のVRアプリで使用したい場合、生涯ライセンスの価格は145ユーロです。
Kioskモードは、Oculus GOをリセンターするために必要なキャリブレーションを無効にしますか？
いいえ、残念ながらこれを回避する方法はありません。Oculus GOが取り外され、再び装着する度にリセンターする必要があります。
Oculus GOとPICO用のKioskモードはどこでダウンロードできますか
ダウンロードリンクと手順については https://lookandplay.io/download/ をご覧ください。
How to activate Kiosk Mode on the Oculus Go
The Oculus Go is widely regarded as the first consumer headset that is suitable for general use. VR headsets for PC like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive require some technical expertise and are more expensive, and simple smartphone cradles like the Gear VR and the Google Cardboard require separate hardware to function.
The user friendly approach of the Go makes it a great solution for presentations, events and commercial use. Unfortunately the standard interface does not allow a professional user to limit the functionality to a particular app or video. Is it possible to use this VR headset in Kiosk Mode?
Why use Kiosk Mode?
Every business user that has ever handed an electronic device over to a customer knows how important a Kiosk Mode is for commercial use. If you show a video on a tablet you don’t want the user to switch apps, if you show an interactive PowerPoint presentation on a laptop you don’t want the user to format the hard drive by mistake. It’s pretty straightforward to turn off interactive features on these devices, making them ideal for commercial presentations and Point of Sale exhibitions.
Oculus Go for presentations
VR headsets are interactive by definition. Even a passive 360 video requires the viewer to physically wear the device. This poses a problem for business use, in particular during a crowded event without a direct view on the screen.
A simple Kiosk Mode for Oculus GO that allows the exhibitor to limit the interactions makes the process much easier and more reliable. For instance; booting the device on a single app or playing a looping video. The Oculus Go is a portable and wireless device that would be perfect for commercial applications … in theory at least.
Activating the Kiosk mode
The Oculus Home screen is basically a skin layered on top of an Android operating system. This OS is pretty easy to alter for custom use, that’s why so many manufacturers use Google Android to run on their mobile devices. It is already possible to ‘sideload’ apps on the Go, but those apps still run within the standard interface.
By using a special piece of software, the standard boot sequence can be circumvented and replaced with an alternate application. This allows the Go to run in Kiosk Mode. You could compare it to a sandbox that allows the user to ‘play’ freely, using safe borders that you can define. Perhaps you want to show a 360 video, or you might want to disable the buttons on the device.