VR FAQs
What is Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) immerses you in different realities, allowing you to view a range of locations in full 360 degrees.
Why are Greenpeace using Virtual Reality/360 videos
Through the Greenpeace Virtual Explorer app we want our supporters to experience amazing places like the Amazon and Arctic, to see first-hand exactly what it is we’re campaigning to protect – and how important it is we succeed.
What makes our app unique?
Our app is in-line with one of the founding principles of Greenpeace, to ‘bear witness’: To witness and make known events and stories in the hope of inspiring action. Through our app we will be able to show supporters some of the most amazing yet threatened places on earth, which they may never be able to see in person.
Our app will contain multiple VR films and with more content in the pipeline it will be a destination for Virtual Reality films content.
In addition a selection of non-VR films and the ability to upload small blog posts to the app will mean users are kept up to date on our campaigns. Built-in petition links will also allow our supporters to easily take action on the issues that matter to them the most. The app also provides a method for donating directly to our work.
How can I best experience VR?
To get the full sensory experience, all you’ll need is a virtual reality headset and headphones. You can order our bespoke VR Cardboard headset by visiting www.greenpeace.org.uk/virtualexplorer.
Can I use the app without a headset?
Yes you can however it will not be as immersive as the full experience with the headset. All you have to do is move your phone around to see the full 360 shots.
Can I get the Greenpeace app outside of the UK?
Unfortunately not. Our app is currently only available in the UK app stores but we hope to launch in other countries in the near future. If you download the app here in the UK it will work abroad but you will not be prompted to upgrade to newer versions of the app. We cannot guarantee therefore that the app will work correctly outside of the UK. The headsets are also only available for postage in the UK.
Why isn’t your app available to work correctly on all smart phones?
Not every phone has VR capability. The VR player our apps uses is manufactured by Google and requires a phone to have a sensor called GyroScope. This sensor uses the Earth’s gravity to determine the orientation of the phone, needed to make sure the film footage correctly moves in-line with the movements of your head. This sensor is only in more recent phone models and without it the player is unable to work correctly.
There are applications that look to use different sensors in your device to simulate Gyroscope data – but these are made by third parties so are not verified by us and may also result in videos appearing overly shaky.
What phones can the app work on?
In Apple products (iPhone): iOS 8.0 or later. Supported devices include iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c.
In Android: an operating system of OS 4.1 and up is required. You can usually find out the operating system by opening your phone’s Settings, selecting About Phone or About Device, selecting Software info/Android version.
What is the difference between Virtual Reality and 360 videos
What is considered ‘true VR’ often refers to some form of computer-generated content, which can also include some form of interaction – so the users can to a degree control their virtual environment. With 360 videos the user is seeing ‘real’ imagery and the story is happening around them, so their actions will not affect or change the narrative.
There is however no set clear distinction between VR and 360. For example some commentators say that 360 videos are not VR because they are often viewed without a headset and so lack immersion. Within this definition video content created for Google Cardboard would be considered VR, if they are used with a headset.
We believe our app provides a virtual reality experience because:
- VR has in many ways become a catch-all term for video content that uses headsets and allows the user to look in all directions.
- Our films immerse users in alternative environments, which many people will not have the chance to visit in person.
- Although our films can be viewed in the app without a headset we always encourage viewing with headsets, making them available for just £6.
My headset hasn’t arrived, what do I do?
Your headset may take up to 5 business days to arrive. If it hasn’t arrived within this time please contact our Supporter Services team on 0800 269 065 (normal office hours) and we can help you.
What is the headset made out of?
The headset is made out of recycled cardboard and is manufactured in Germany.
Is it safe and will I feel sick?
A small number of people do experience symptoms similar to motion sickness. If you do experience nausea, discomfort, eyestrain, disorientation or feel uncomfortable while watching, take off the goggles immediately. If you have had or could be prone to seizures, consult a doctor before using the headset.
The video is blurry, what do I do?
It is likely that the centre of your smartphone screen and the Cardboard headset are not aligned. Adjust your phone in the headset, making sure that your smartphone is flat against the viewer and the middle of your phone screen is in-line with the middle of the headset.
The films are not as clear as I expected, or have seen elsewhere?
Our app is very much designed to be as accessible as possible and to achieve this we have limited video size – so as many phones as possible will have room to download the VR content. By limiting the majority of films to 200MB more people will be able to download them; however this does mean the films may not be as crisp as may have been viewed on apps that only have one VR film.
If you have experienced VR via a more expensive headset (such as Oculus Rift or Samsung Gear) you will also notice that the viewing experience will be improved. One of the reasons for this, is that these more expensive headsets allow the user to adjust the focus.
Can I use other VR headsets with the Greenpeace app?
A large number of headsets will work with the Greenpeace VR app, including:
Google Cardboard
OnePlus Loop VR
Homido Virtual Reality Headset
Zeiss VR ONE GX
Fiit VR Headset
Freefly VR Headset
Merge VR Goggles
Pasonomi VR Glasses
When I try to download the app or videos, a message appears saying there is not enough room on my phone
You may need to clear room from your phone. This includes cached data as well as files such as music or images. Information on how to clear cached data can be found online, such as at: http://www.androidcentral.com/android-201-how-and-when-clear-app-cache-or-data
Where does Greenpeace get its funding from?
To maintain absolute independence, we do not take money from governments or corporations. We rely totally on individual supporter donations to fund our work.
How do I make a donation?
You can make a donation via donate buttons in the app or alternatively contact our Supporter Services team via email supporter.uk@greenpeace.org or please call us on 0800 269 065 (normal office hours) .
What is your privacy policy?
Greenpeace believes you have a fundamental right to privacy and we work to protect your security online as vigorously as possible. Our privacy policy was developed in line with our duties under the Data Protection Act and more information can be found at www.greenpeace.org.uk/help/privacy-policy.