Real estate and apartment management portal CommonFloor has launched CommonFloor Retina, an app which can be used to view new real-estate projects in a Panaromic 360-degree virtual reality perspective. The app is now available on Google play store for download.
There are of course other requirements for experiencing the app, a virtual reality headset (cardboard kit) that you need to have or purchase from Flipkart for Rs. 999. Also the app currently works with only particular set of devices, but works best with the Google Nexus 5 smartphone. I tested the app on the Nexus 5 and the cardboard headset provided with it.
Though it sounds tedious, the setting up is pretty straight forward. Once the app is downloaded on your device, you get steps how to use it with the headset as soon as you open the app. Once the app is running, you select the property you want a tour of and place the device in the headset for the virtual tour to start.
The tour is voice assisted and turning your head will help you navigate or get a 360 degree view of the room you are currently in. There is a manual back button on the left side of the headset to go to the previous page. Also there is on screen navigation where a user can go back or next by focusing for 5 seconds on the on screen icons.
How Does It Work?
The overall experience is good, as it is something new but only as a novelty feature. Users wont actually use it to make a Buy/Rent decision based on the app. Also, the level of detail is not that great and users will have a better experience browsing pictures on the website.
The app as a whole is well made and gives users a different perspective to view properties. We hope it develops further and change the way users view and buy property online.
There are of course other requirements for experiencing the app, a virtual reality headset (cardboard kit) that you need to have or purchase from Flipkart for Rs. 999. Also the app currently works with only particular set of devices, but works best with the Google Nexus 5 smartphone. I tested the app on the Nexus 5 and the cardboard headset provided with it.
Though it sounds tedious, the setting up is pretty straight forward. Once the app is downloaded on your device, you get steps how to use it with the headset as soon as you open the app. Once the app is running, you select the property you want a tour of and place the device in the headset for the virtual tour to start.
The tour is voice assisted and turning your head will help you navigate or get a 360 degree view of the room you are currently in. There is a manual back button on the left side of the headset to go to the previous page. Also there is on screen navigation where a user can go back or next by focusing for 5 seconds on the on screen icons.
How Does It Work?
- Step 1: Visit CommonFloor.com/Retina and fill in your details, requesting for the special headgear.
- Step 2: Down the official Android app for Retina, and wait for the VR headset, which will be shipped to your home.
- Step 3: Once the headset arrives, place your Android phone, open the apps, and start visiting your desired properties in 3D experience.
The overall experience is good, as it is something new but only as a novelty feature. Users wont actually use it to make a Buy/Rent decision based on the app. Also, the level of detail is not that great and users will have a better experience browsing pictures on the website.
The app as a whole is well made and gives users a different perspective to view properties. We hope it develops further and change the way users view and buy property online.
By: Sridhar Iyer
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