A social network designed specifically for mobile VR has been announced by UK-based studio Starship.

Designed for use with an array of mobile headsets including Samsung Gear and Google Cardboard, through an Android and iOS-compatible app, the social network is intended to make access and interaction in VR easy and appealing.

Dubbed vTime, the social network will feature an array of virtual locations where friends and family can interact, listen to music and share content such as images, video and “spherical media” – 3D content.

The social network will allow users to put on real-time virtual public events, which can be attended by spectators, as well as host private virtual meet-ups.

There is also a big focus on encouraging interaction between users that do not have friends or families on the network. As well as being able to customise their avatars, users can make use of a function called ‘vTime Search’, which matches them to others with similar interests or based on trending topics.

Developed by UK-based digital media studio Starship, which has already released a cooking app for VR, vTime is intended to be instinctive to use and thus appealing to less technical users who are likely to take interest in VR over the next few years.

“vTime takes complex technology and makes it simple, beautiful and accessible,” said Starship CEO Martin Kenwright, a games industry veteran and founder of Evolution Studios.

“Connecting with friends, old or new, in a wealth of incredible environments couldn’t be easier – simply download the vTime app, put on the headset, and you’re away.”

vTime also does not require hand-operated controls, although Starship has not yet explained what control system the social network will require.

Similarly, the studio has not yet released details of what the virtual spaces will look like, although has said that vTime will include environments that range from “the majestic beauty of nature through to futuristic urban landscapes”.

The decision to make the social network specifically for mobile VR may seem strange to some – with Oculus set to release Rift in a matter of months, there has been a huge focus on computer-tethered virtual reality.

However, the company believes that making the social network specifically for mobile VR is key to its success.

“VR will be huge, but surely biggest of all on mobile where there’s a massive, pre-installed user base,” said Kenwright.

“Unlike console and PC headsets, the barrier to entry for mobile VR is low. People are already carrying the devices that will propel VR forward in their pockets.

“It’s not just for the early adopters, VR is for everybody, and vTime brings social VR to virtually everyone, from virtually anywhere on virtually any device.”

vTime will be fully unveiled during Oculus Connect in September, and an open alpha for Android will start in November.