Test VR Without a Headset
You can explore VR simulations right in your browser using mouse and keyboard controls, or use browser extensions to emulate a VR headset.
Method 1: Browser Controls (Easiest)
✓ Already EnabledAll VR simulations support mouse and keyboard navigation for testing:
Controls:
- Left Click + DragRotate camera view
- Right Click + DragPan camera position
- Scroll WheelZoom in/out
- Arrow KeysMove camera
- Left Click on UIInteract with 3D buttons and panels
Method 2: WebXR Emulator Extension (Advanced)
Recommended for DevelopersInstall a browser extension that emulates VR headsets and controllers:
Chrome/Edge
- 1. Install "Immersive Web Emulator" extension from Chrome Web Store
- 2. Open DevTools (F12) and find the "Immersive Web" tab
- 3. Select a device (Meta Quest 3, Quest Pro, etc.)
- 4. Visit a VR simulation and click "Enter VR"
- 5. Use the DevTools panel to control the virtual headset
Other Browsers
Firefox and other browsers have limited WebXR emulator support. For the best developer testing experience, we recommend using Chrome with the Immersive Web Emulator extension. For quick testing, use the built-in browser controls (Method 1) which work in all modern browsers.
Note: The WebXR emulator provides a more accurate simulation of the VR headset experience, including head tracking and controller positioning. However, it's more complex to set up than the built-in browser controls.
Testing Methods Comparison
| Feature | Browser Controls | WebXR Emulator | Real VR Headset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Required | ✓ None | Browser extension | Physical hardware |
| Camera Control | ✓ Mouse/keyboard | ✓ Emulated head tracking | ✓ Real head tracking |
| 3D Audio | ✓ Spatial audio | ✓ Spatial audio | ✓ Full immersive audio |
| Controller Support | Mouse clicks | ✓ Emulated controllers | ✓ Real hand controllers |
| Immersion Level | Low | Medium | ✓ High |
| Best For | Quick testing | Development | Full experience |
Testing Tips
- •Start with browser controls: They work immediately without any setup and are perfect for getting a feel for the 3D environment.
- •Test audio features: Make sure to grant microphone permissions to test the spatial audio effects in the Hearing Loss VR simulation.
- •Click 3D buttons: All interactive elements (buttons, panels) can be clicked with your mouse in browser mode.
- •Look around: Use mouse drag to rotate your view and explore the spatial audio sources positioned around you.
- •For the full experience: Nothing beats trying it with a real VR headset - the spatial audio and immersion are significantly better.