Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Social Media
  3. News

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Facebook enables 360-degree video for iOS and Gear VR

By

facebook enables 360 degree video for ios and gear vr screen shot 2015 11 12 at 4 20 00 pm copy
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Earlier this year, Facebook revealed that it would be working in conjunction with Oculus VR, the virtual reality company it acquired back in March 2o14, to bring 360-degree videos to the web and on Android. Now the social media giant has published the feature on iOS, and for those unfamiliar with the technology, it may come as a surprise that it requires no additional hardware — other than an iPhone or iPad.

It’s a solid attempt to encourage production of 360-degree video. Considering just about everyone has access to at least one of the supported devices, content creators are actually provided an audience for their 360-degree video, even if only a select few are using VR headsets to watch it. The first video to debut the feature, for instance, was a trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which allowed audiences on Facebook, be it on the web or on mobile devices, to scroll in any direction to see what’s going on in the rest of the scene.

Recommended Videos

Additionally, those early adopters fortunate enough to get their hands on one of Samsung’s Gear VR headsets can now watch 360-degree videos on Facebook. The social network boasts that this freshly-implemented feature will make for “a more immersive viewing experience.”

For the time being, publishing videos in 360 degrees is limited to a few select distributors. For anyone else, Facebook says it’s developing a way for anyone who owns a Theta, Giroptic, or IC Real Tech camera to upload their videos directly, using an in-app “publish to Facebook” button.

In order to monetize what Facebook hopes will result in a phenomena, the company is also starting to push out 360-degree ads from sponsors like AT&T, Corona, Nescafe, Samsung, and Disney. For the sake of anyone reluctant to watch a commercial before a trailer, let’s hope there’s a 360-degree ad blocker to suffice.

Samsung Gear VR Available from: Amazon

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabe Carey
Gabe Carey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
A freelancer for Digital Trends, Gabe Carey has been covering the intersection of video games and technology since he was 16…
When will Apple release iOS 18? Here’s what we know
An iPhone 14 laying face-down on a wood table.

Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will start on Monday, June 10. During the conference keynote, the company is expected to unveil new software updates for its major products, including iOS 18 for iPhones.

iOS 18 is expected to be a major iPhone update, likely ushering in a new design and AI features. If you are wondering when you can get your hands on the latest software version, here's everything you need to know about iOS 18's release date.
When will the iOS 18 beta be released?

Read more
The 7 biggest features we expect to see in iOS 18
The home screen on the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.

Apple revealed that its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place on June 10. This is when we expect to see the next iteration of software across all of Apple’s products, including iOS 18.

From the sounds of it, we’re in for a big update with iOS 18, rumored to be one of the “biggest updates” yet. Here’s what we expect from Apple's next major iPhone update with iOS 18.
A more customizable home screen

Read more
This could be our first look at iOS 18’s huge redesign
An iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro standing upright on a desk.

While iOS 17 fell short on a visual overhaul, Apple is rumored to be working on an updated identity for its next iOS version. Previous reports have claimed that the upcoming iOS 18 will feature visionOS-like elements introduced on the Apple Vision Pro. A new report confirms this with a leaked image of the iOS 18 Camera app.

According to a report from MacRumors, the next version of the Camera app could feature visionOS-style design elements. It is based on an iPhone frame template that the publication received from an anonymous source who claimed to have received it from an iOS engineer. It is said to have been included as part of the Apple Design Resources for iOS 18.

Read more