How to Use Google Earth VR on Oculus Rift Without Touch

Prerequisites

Before you start using Google Earth VR on your Oculus Rift without touch controls, there are a few things you need to have in place. Here are the prerequisites you need to fulfill:

An Oculus Rift headset: To experience Google Earth VR, you will need an Oculus Rift headset. Make sure it is properly set up and connected to your computer.
Compatible PC hardware: Ensure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for running the Oculus Rift and Google Earth VR. This includes having a capable graphics card, sufficient RAM, and a compatible operating system.
Google Earth VR application: Download and install the Google Earth VR application from the Oculus Store or the official Google Earth VR website. Make sure you have the latest version installed for optimal performance.
Xbox One Controller: Since you won’t be using touch controls, you will need an Xbox One controller to navigate and interact with Google Earth VR. Ensure that your controller is charged and connected to your computer via a USB cable or wireless adapter.
Software and Driver Updates: Keep your Oculus Rift software, graphics card drivers, and Xbox One controller drivers up to date. This will help prevent compatibility issues and ensure smooth functionality.

Once you have all these prerequisites in place, you will be ready to dive into the immersive world of Google Earth VR on your Oculus Rift. With the proper hardware and software setup, you can begin exploring breathtaking locations and experiencing virtual travel like never before.

Step 1: Setting Up Google Earth VR

Before you can start using Google Earth VR on your Oculus Rift, you need to ensure that it is properly set up on your system. Follow these steps to get started:

Launch the Oculus app: Open the Oculus app on your computer and ensure that your Oculus Rift headset is connected and ready to use.
Locate the Oculus Store: In the Oculus app, navigate to the Oculus Store by clicking on the Store tab in the main menu.
Search for Google Earth VR: In the Oculus Store, use the search bar to find the Google Earth VR application. Alternatively, you can browse the store’s library to locate it.
Select and install Google Earth VR: Once you have found Google Earth VR in the store, click on its icon to view more details. Then, click on the Install button to begin the installation process.
Wait for the installation to complete: The installation may take some time depending on your internet connection speed. Allow the installation to complete before proceeding.
Launch Google Earth VR: Once the installation is finished, click on the Launch button within the Oculus Store or locate the Google Earth VR application in your library and click on it to start the experience.
Put on your Oculus Rift headset: When prompted, put on your Oculus Rift headset and adjust it comfortably on your head. Ensure that the lenses are clean and properly aligned.
Follow the setup instructions: When you first launch Google Earth VR, you may be guided through a brief setup process. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate your Oculus Rift and set up the virtual reality environment.
Calibrate the Xbox One controller: If not already done, connect your Xbox One controller to your computer and follow the instructions to calibrate it. This will enable you to navigate and interact with Google Earth VR using the controller.

Once you have completed these steps, you will be all set up and ready to start exploring the virtual world of Google Earth VR with your Oculus Rift headset.

Step 2: Navigating the Google Earth VR Menu

Once you have launched Google Earth VR on your Oculus Rift, you will be greeted with a menu that allows you to navigate and customize your virtual reality experience. Follow these steps to familiarize yourself with the menu:

Look around: Move your head to look around the menu and view the available options. The menu will appear in front of you, and you can navigate through it by simply moving your head.
Select an option: To select an option in the menu, use the Oculus Rift controller or the Xbox One controller. Move the controller cursor over the desired option and press the A button to select it.
Explore different menu sections: The Google Earth VR menu is divided into several sections, including search, places, bookmarks, and settings. Each section offers different functionalities and options for customization.
Use the controller to navigate menus: If you are using the Xbox One controller, you can use the left joystick to navigate through the menu options. Moving the joystick up and down allows you to scroll through the options, while moving it left and right switches between different menu sections.
Access additional options: Some menu options may have submenus or additional settings. To access these options, highlight the desired option and press the A button on the controller.
Customize settings: Within the settings section of the menu, you can customize various aspects of your Google Earth VR experience, such as units of measurement, graphics quality, and navigation options. Take some time to explore these settings and adjust them according to your preferences.

By familiarizing yourself with the Google Earth VR menu and its navigation options, you will be able to interact seamlessly with the virtual environment and make the most out of your Oculus Rift experience.

Step 3: Using the Xbox Controller for Movement

When using Google Earth VR on your Oculus Rift without touch controls, you can rely on the Xbox One controller to navigate and move within the virtual environment. Follow these steps to learn how to use the controller for movement:

Hold the Xbox One controller: Hold the Xbox One controller comfortably in your hands with your thumbs resting on the joysticks and your index fingers on the triggers.
Move with the left joystick: The left joystick on the Xbox One controller is used for movement. Pushing the joystick forward causes your virtual self to move forward, pulling it backward moves you in the opposite direction, and moving it left or right allows you to strafe in those directions.
Turn with the right joystick: The right joystick on the controller is used for turning. Moving the joystick left or right will rotate your virtual self in the corresponding direction.
Control your speed: The left and right triggers on the controller can be used to control your movement speed. Holding down the left trigger allows you to move at a slower pace, while holding down the right trigger increases your movement speed.
Jump to locations: You can use the A button on the controller to jump to specific locations within Google Earth VR. Simply highlight the desired location and press the A button to instantly teleport to that spot.
Use the B button for back: If you need to go back to a previous menu or view, you can use the B button on the controller. This allows you to navigate through different screens and options within Google Earth VR.
Experiment with other buttons: The Xbox One controller has additional buttons that can be used for various in-game interactions. Feel free to explore and experiment with these buttons to discover additional features and functionalities.

By using the Xbox One controller for movement in Google Earth VR, you can easily explore different locations and navigate through the virtual world with precision and control. Take some time to practice and familiarize yourself with the controller’s functionalities for optimal navigation.

Step 4: Exploring Locations with the Xbox Controller

Once you are comfortable with using the Xbox One controller for movement in Google Earth VR on your Oculus Rift, it’s time to dive into exploring various locations. Follow these steps to explore different places within the virtual environment:

Move to a desired location: Use the left joystick on the Xbox One controller to move your virtual self to a desired location. Push the joystick forward to move forward, pull it backward to move backward, and move it left or right to strafe in those directions.
Rotate your view: Use the right joystick on the controller to rotate your view in the virtual world. Moving the joystick left or right will rotate your perspective accordingly, allowing you to observe the surroundings from different angles.
Zoom in and out: Press the left and right bumpers on the Xbox One controller to zoom in and out, respectively. This allows you to get a closer look at a location or zoom out to see a broader view of the area.
Change your height: Use the D-pad on the controller to adjust your height within the virtual environment. Press the up or down buttons to raise or lower your virtual self, allowing you to explore locations from different altitudes.
Interact with objects: While exploring locations, you can interact with various objects and points of interest using the Xbox One controller. Highlight an object and press the A button to interact with it, such as reading information about a landmark or watching a video about a specific location.
Discover new places: Explore different areas within Google Earth VR by moving around using the Xbox One controller. Take advantage of the freedom to roam and discover hidden gems, famous landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes.
Enjoy the virtual experience: As you navigate through different locations using the Xbox One controller, immerse yourself in the virtual experience. Appreciate the stunning visuals, take in the sounds of the environment, and embrace the sense of exploration that Google Earth VR offers.

By utilizing the Xbox One controller’s features, you can easily explore and interact with various locations in Google Earth VR. Take your time to travel the virtual world, discovering new places and enjoying the immersive experience that the Oculus Rift and the controller provide.

Step 5: Interacting with Places of Interest

Google Earth VR on the Oculus Rift allows you to not only explore different locations but also interact with specific places of interest. By using the Xbox One controller, you can engage with these points of interest in the virtual environment. Follow these steps to make the most of your interactions:

Identify points of interest: As you explore various locations using the Xbox One controller, keep an eye out for points of interest such as famous landmarks, notable buildings, or natural wonders. These can be highlighted or labeled within the virtual environment.
Select a point of interest: To interact with a specific place of interest, move your virtual self closer to it using the left joystick. Once you’re near it, you can use the controller to highlight and select it.
View information and media: When you select a point of interest, a window will appear displaying information about it. This can include historical facts, notable features, or multimedia content such as photos or videos related to that location.
Read detailed descriptions: Within the information window, you can often find detailed descriptions and narratives about the point of interest. Take the time to read and explore this content to gain a deeper understanding of the place you are visiting.
Watch videos and 360° images: Some points of interest may have additional media elements associated with them. You can use the controller to interact with these media components and enjoy videos or 360° images that provide a unique perspective of the location.
Bookmark locations: If you come across a place of interest that you want to revisit later, you can use the Xbox One controller to bookmark it. This allows you to easily access and navigate back to that location at any time.
Share your experiences: Google Earth VR provides options to share your experiences with others. You can capture screenshots of memorable moments using the controller and share them with friends or on social media.
Immerse yourself in the details: Take the time to explore and interact with various points of interest in Google Earth VR. Use the Xbox One controller to navigate, select, and engage with the immersive content available, enhancing your virtual travel experience.

By interacting with places of interest within Google Earth VR, you can enrich your exploration and deepen your knowledge about different locations. Take advantage of the Xbox One controller’s capabilities to engage with the immersive content and uncover fascinating details about the world around you.

Step 6: Changing Viewing Options

Google Earth VR offers a range of viewing options that allow you to customize your virtual reality experience on the Oculus Rift. By making use of these options, you can enhance your immersion and explore the virtual world in different ways. Follow these steps to change your viewing options:

Access the settings menu: Use the Xbox One controller to navigate to the settings section in the Google Earth VR menu. This can usually be found by pressing the Start button on the controller.
Adjust graphic settings: Within the settings menu, you can modify the graphic settings to optimize the visual quality and performance of Google Earth VR. Experiment with different settings to find the balance that suits your preferences and PC capabilities.
Toggle between different viewing modes: Google Earth VR offers different viewing modes to suit your preferences. You can switch between the Earth View and City View modes to explore the world from various perspectives. Use the controller to select the desired mode from the settings menu.
Enable or disable overlays: Overlays provide additional information or visual enhancements while exploring locations in Google Earth VR. From the settings menu, you can choose to enable or disable these overlays based on your preferences.
Adjust units of measurement: Google Earth VR allows you to change the units of measurement to best suit your needs. In the settings menu, you can switch between different measurement systems such as metric or imperial.
Change navigation options: Within the settings menu, you can also customize the navigation options available in Google Earth VR. Adjust the sensitivity of the controller, the speed of movement, and other navigation settings to make the experience more comfortable and intuitive.
Save your preferred settings: Once you have adjusted the viewing options to your liking, make sure to save your settings. This ensures that the changes you have made will be applied each time you launch Google Earth VR.
Experiment with different settings: Take the time to experiment with different viewing options and settings in Google Earth VR. This allows you to tailor the experience to your preferences and make the most of your virtual exploration.

By changing the viewing options in Google Earth VR, you can personalize your virtual reality experience and fine-tune it to suit your preferences. Use the Xbox One controller to navigate the settings menu and explore the various options available, enhancing your immersion and enjoyment of the virtual world.

Step 7: Capturing Screenshots and Recording Videos

While exploring the virtual world of Google Earth VR on your Oculus Rift, you may come across breathtaking views, stunning landmarks, or memorable moments that you want to capture and share. Fortunately, Google Earth VR provides options for capturing screenshots and recording videos directly from your VR experience. Follow these steps to capture and save your favorite moments:

Position yourself: Use the Xbox One controller to navigate to the desired location or viewpoint that you want to capture. Move around and position yourself to get the best angle or view for your screenshot or video.
Take a screenshot: To capture a screenshot of your current view, press the Xbox button and the Y button simultaneously on the Xbox One controller. This will instantly capture the image and save it to your connected PC’s storage.
Record a video: If you want to record a video of your VR experience, press the Xbox button and the X button simultaneously on the Xbox One controller. This will start the video recording, and you will see a recording indicator on the screen.
End the video recording: To stop the video recording, press the Xbox button and the X button again on the Xbox One controller. The recorded video will be saved to your connected PC’s storage.
Access your captured media: After capturing screenshots or recording videos, you can find them in the designated storage location on your PC. From there, you can easily view, edit, and share your captured media.
Share your captured moments: Once you have your screenshots or videos ready, you can easily share them with friends, family, or on social media platforms. Use your preferred sharing method to showcase the stunning visuals and immersive experiences you encountered in Google Earth VR.
Experiment and capture unique perspectives: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles, viewpoints, and settings when capturing screenshots and recording videos. This allows you to capture unique and memorable moments from your VR exploration.
Enjoy the memories: The ability to capture screenshots and record videos in Google Earth VR lets you preserve and relive your favorite virtual reality memories. Take the time to revisit and enjoy the captured moments, immersing yourself in the experiences all over again.

With the Xbox One controller, capturing screenshots and recording videos in Google Earth VR is a breeze. Take advantage of these features to preserve and share the stunning vistas and remarkable encounters you come across during your virtual travels.

Step 8: Adjusting Settings for the Oculus Rift

In addition to the settings specific to Google Earth VR, you may also need to adjust certain settings related to your Oculus Rift headset itself. These settings can help optimize the virtual reality experience and ensure smooth performance while using Google Earth VR. Follow these steps to adjust the settings for your Oculus Rift:

Open the Oculus app: Launch the Oculus app on your computer and make sure your Oculus Rift headset is connected and turned on.
Access the Devices tab: In the Oculus app, click on the Devices tab located on the left-hand side of the screen.
Choose the Oculus Rift headset: From the list of devices, select your Oculus Rift headset. This will open the settings specific to your headset.
Adjust the display settings: Within the Oculus Rift headset settings, you can adjust the display settings to suit your preferences and ensure optimal visual quality. This includes options such as display resolution, refresh rate, and eye relief settings.
Configure the audio settings: You can also configure the audio settings for your Oculus Rift headset. This includes selecting the desired audio output device and adjusting the volume settings.
Customize the guardian system: The guardian system is a safety feature that helps prevent you from running into objects while using the Oculus Rift. Take the time to customize and set up the guardian system according to your play area and preferences.
Explore additional settings: The Oculus app offers various additional settings and options that you can explore. These include comfort settings, privacy settings, and more. Take some time to familiarize yourself with these settings and customize them as needed.
Apply the changes: Once you have adjusted the settings to your liking, make sure to apply the changes by clicking on the appropriate buttons within the Oculus app.
Restart the Oculus Rift: To ensure that the settings take effect, restart your Oculus Rift headset by turning it off and on again.

By adjusting the settings for your Oculus Rift headset, you can fine-tune the virtual reality experience and tailor it to your specific needs and preferences. This ensures that you get the best possible performance and visual quality when using Google Earth VR on your Oculus Rift.

Troubleshooting Tips

While using Google Earth VR on your Oculus Rift, you may encounter some issues or difficulties. Don’t worry, as there are troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve common problems and ensure a smooth VR experience. Here are some useful troubleshooting tips:

Check your hardware connections: Ensure that all cables and connections for your Oculus Rift headset are secure and properly plugged in. Loose connections can lead to display or tracking issues.
Update your software and drivers: Keep your Oculus software, graphics card drivers, and Xbox One controller drivers up to date. Outdated software or drivers can cause compatibility issues and performance problems.
Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches or problems with software or drivers. Restart your computer and relaunch Google Earth VR to see if the issue is resolved.
Calibrate your Oculus Rift headset: If you are experiencing tracking issues, such as a drifting or unstable view, go through the calibration process to ensure accurate tracking of your head movements.
Optimize your PC settings: Make sure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for running the Oculus Rift and Google Earth VR. Close any resource-intensive applications running in the background to free up system resources.
Reset the Guardian system: If you are having issues with the Guardian system, such as false triggers or inaccurate boundaries, try resetting it. Go through the setup process again to recalibrate the boundaries.
Reinstall Google Earth VR: If all else fails, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the Google Earth VR application. This can help resolve any issues related to corrupted files or installation problems.
Seek help from the Oculus community: If you are still experiencing issues, reach out to the Oculus community for support. There are dedicated forums and resources available where you can find help from fellow Oculus users and experts.
Contact Oculus support: If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, contact Oculus support for further assistance. They can provide personalized guidance and help resolve any hardware or software-related problems you may be facing.

Remember, troubleshooting is a process of identifying and resolving issues step by step. By following these troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common problems and enjoy a seamless and immersive experience while using Google Earth VR on your Oculus Rift.