Microsoft adds WebVR for Edge browser in Creators Update
Microsoft will add the WebVR API to its Edge browser in its upcoming Windows 10 Creators Update, allowing 3D applications written in WebGL to be as immersive as desktop offerings. The API was originally created by Mozilla and will enable webpages to respond to input information from head-mounted displays. VR will form a significant part of the Creators Update, making the addition to the Edge browser a natural development. Microsoft is also adding 30% more API calls, secure comms channels and inter-PC data roaming to its browser in a bid to catch up with the popularity of rivals Chrome and Firefox by increasing Edge's extension compatibility.

With the release of Windows 10 build 15002 earlier this month, Microsoft showed off some new features coming to its Edge browser in the Windows 10 Creators Update to improve tab management. Today, the company has announced a few more of the improvements that will be coming soon.

As VR is a significant focus of the Creators Update, it's perhaps not altogether surprising that Edge is getting in on the action. Microsoft announced in September that it was starting work on developing WebVR and that support will ship in the Creators Update. The WebVR API, originally developed by Mozilla, exposes information about head mounted displays to Web content, enabling 3D applications in WebGL to support the same kind of immersive experiences that are found on the desktop.

Edge will also be used for a new class of 2D content: books. The Windows Store is going to start including books, and the browser is being extended to support reading and managing e-books.

The Creators Update is also going to improve Edge's extension support. Microsoft has added 30 percent more API calls, including access to favorites, secure communication channels with installed applications, and data roaming between PCs. This should increase Edge's extension compatibility with Chrome and Firefox and allow Edge to start catching up with its competitors.