Facebook debuts 360-degree virtual reality videos on newsfeed
Facebook has recently launched 360-degree virtual reality videos on its newsfeed as a way to give users a new experience by letting them look around in all directions.
On Sept. 23, Facebook published a set of 360-degree marketing videos from the makers of Go Pro, NBC's "Saturday Night Live," and "Star Wars," and other companies. Users can experience the videos by using the computer mouse to pan the view to another direction or by tilting a mobile device to stir the scene to another location, according to CNN.
The Go Pro video lets users experience a joyride in the Idaho desert aboard a dirt bike. In the "Saturday Night Live" clip, the user becomes part of the live audience during the show's 40th year. The "Star Wars" video, on the other hand, features a faraway planet destroyed and left desolate by war, the report details.
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As of now, users can best experience the 360-degree videos on a desktop computer. The feature is not yet available for smartphones. Although the 360 Video works on Android devices, and it is expected to reach iOS devices in the next few months.
Facebook released a statement on the FB newsroom telling the public about the future of the social network with 360 videos.
"In the future, imagine watching 360 videos of a friend's vacation to a small village in France or a festival in Brazil — you'll be able to look around and experience it as if you were there," the International Business Times quotes Facebook. "Along with updates from your friends and family, you will also be able to discover amazing new content on Facebook from media companies, organisations, and individual creators."
The launching of the 360 Video is a bold step toward making virtual reality a part of people's daily lives. Facebook product executive Chris Cox said they are working to let anyone upload 360 Video soon. It is worth noting that users would need special 360-degree camera to be able to record this kind of video, and such a device costs at least $400, the report adds.
Last year, Facebook acquired VR headset maker Oculus in a $2 billion deal as part of its venture into virtual reality. Other companies aiming to tap the VR market include YouTube, Sony's Morpheus headsets, and HTC Vive.
