HandsFree.JS Bridges Page and Spatial Controls
One tenet of the web states that we meet users where they are regardless of their hardware or software. When I formulated the concept of the wider web I broke this down into three display modes (flat, portal, and immersive), three control types (page, overlay, and spatial), and a variety of input types like hands, touchscreens, and tracked wands.
The new release of HandsFree.JS (specifically the palm pointers plugin) brings us closer to seamless transitions between display modes without changing input type. When in flat display mode the user's webcam tracks their hands and when in immersive mode the WebXR Hands API provides that input.
Shoot Hoops With Ada
This in-depth article demonstrates how web creators can use A-frame, Three.js, and WebXR to give their users a basketball experience.
WebXR for Game Jams
Tune in on Twitch from 5pm to 7pm EST on Wednesday, January 27th for a talk from Owen Weizman (aka De-Panther) about the features of WebXR and how to use WebXR Export in Unity for quick prototyping in game jams.
Aardvark Calls for Gadget Creators
This interview with the creator of Aardvark, Joe Ludwig, covers the state of the open source, web-centric XR gadget platform and how it's on Steam and ready for adventurous creators to build their own mini-apps that run inside any native VR applications.
Into the Metaverse with GameBeat
Starting today, GameBeat is producing a single-track, free, and fully online conference with the topic of "Driving Game Growth and Into The Metaverse". While not specifically about the immersive web the speakers and topics address many hurdles and opportunities that our community faces. It would be excellent to have multiple immersive web folks in the chat to offer an alternative perspective to the app store crowd.