Chrome experiments, originally meant to test JavaScript abilities and Google Chrome’s V8 engine, evolved into a showcase for intriguing open-source projects based on HTML5, SVG, WebGL, etc. Currently, there are 1204 chrome experiments demonstrating diverse use cases of these technologies. Here are 10 of the coolest Chrome Experiments we recommend trying:
1. The Searching Planet
Searching Planet, a Chrome Experiment co-created by Google and The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Japan, utilizes search data from around the world. The experiment showcases top searches from various countries on a 3D Earth, accompanied by a story depicting global search trends. Additionally, a VR version of the experiment is accessible on mobile devices via VR headsets like Google Cardboard, enabling users to navigate the world and destinations through head movements.
The experiment may not offer exceptionally useful insights, but it provides a fascinating glimpse into global Google search patterns. The experience is particularly captivating when using headphones, enhancing immersion, especially in VR.
Explore the experiment here.
2. 100,000 Stars
100,000 Stars, a Chrome Experiment by The Google Data Arts Team, offers an interactive visualization of nearby stars, showcasing the real positions of over 100,000 stars. Additionally, it features data on 87 major named stars in our solar system, allowing users to click on names to access overlays with information sourced from Wikipedia.
The experience is amazing, allowing you to zoom in and out to view the entire Milky Way galaxy. As stated on the Experiment’s overview page, the galaxy view is an artist’s rendition. Using headphones is recommended for a more immersive experience.
Explore the experiment here.
3. Kandinsky
Kandinsky, another creation by Google, is part of Google’s Chrome Music Lab: an experiment teaching kids about music, compositions, harmonics, and related sound concepts. The Chrome Music Lab offers various experiments to enhance users’ understanding of sound, covering music composition, sound waves, and harmonics.
Kandinsky, an intriguing experiment within the Chrome Music Lab, enables users to draw on a canvas, transforming art into music upon playback. Special symbols produce varied sounds; for instance, circles emulate trumpets, while triangles encompass sounds from triangles to drums and hi-hats.
Explore the experiment here.
4. Virtual Reality
Another chrome experiment by the Google Data Arts Team, Virtual Reality is a gallery of VR applications in Google Chrome. These applications can be played on a mobile device in a VR headset (like Google Cardboard) and are fun to try. They’re designed for Google Cardboard but can also be viewed with other VR headsets.
Check out the experiment here.
5. 3D Periodic Table
Created by Sarath Saleem, 3D Periodic Table is a Chrome experiment that lets users view and interact with a periodic table. Users can click on element names for more information, and clicking “Explore Atom” shows a simplified Bohr’s model with electrons in a 2D plane.
Explore the experiment here.
6. Interstellar Endurance Exploration
Recall the Endurance ship from Interstellar? Warner Bros., Xymatic & AvatarLabs collaborated on a Chrome experiment allowing users to navigate and explore the Endurance in their web browsers. While not overly thrilling, not much transpires within the Endurance during user visits. Nevertheless, it’s worth a try, especially for enthusiasts keen on delving deeper into the Endurance beyond the movie depiction.
Explore the experiment here.
7. WebGL Water
WebGL Water, a Chrome experiment by Evan Wallace, features a 3D sphere in a pool. Users maneuver the sphere to observe its water effects and drop it to witness ripples. Gravity toggles with the “G” key, and light direction changes with the “L” key.
The interactive scene boasts raytraced reflections and refractions, analytic ambient occlusion, heightfield water simulation, soft shadows, and caustics. It showcases the prowess of JavaScript and WebGL technologies.
Experience the experiment.
8. The Wilderness Downtown
- Utilizing choreographed browser windows, it seamlessly presents various content, creating a visually cohesive experience.
- Incorporating the Google Street View and Maps API, it customizes the short film based on the user’s location, seamlessly integrating street view images from the user’s neighborhood or city.
This experiment comes highly recommended.
Explore the experiment here.
9. Browser Ball
Browser Ball, a Chrome experiment by Mark Mahoney, boasts the wittiest descriptions among all experiments on the Chrome Experiments website. The experiment’s overview humorously invites users: “Open new windows. Throw a beach ball through them. If I tell you it’s less lame than it sounds, will you give it a shot?” This succinctly captures the essence of the experiment, which allows users to open multiple browser windows and throw a beach ball through them using their mouse.
All windows behave as a single canvas, showcasing the possibilities achievable in JavaScript. Users have the freedom to arrange the windows as they please and experiment with various ball-throwing techniques. It’s entertaining, albeit transient.
Explore the experiment here.
10. Cube Slam
Google’s Cube Slam is an experimental twist on pong, challenging players to disable shields on their opponent’s side. Beyond its basic premise, the game offers an innovative feature: players can engage with friends online, with the game displaying their webcam feed, simulating face-to-face play and enhancing the overall experience.
Explore the experiment here.
Chrome Experiments: Exploring JavaScript’s Boundaries
Across all Chrome experiments categories on the Chrome experiments website, a common thread emerges: each pushes JavaScript to its limits. This relentless innovation fuels Google Chrome’s evolution, propelling it to its status as one of the world’s most popular browsers.
For developers, Chrome Experiments offer invaluable insights into JavaScript’s diverse applications for web development. For casual users, they serve as a window into the world of fun, innovative creations emerging globally. Regardless of your user profile, Chrome Experiments promise something captivating for everyone.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
