Video shot for virtual reality headsets is taking a leap forward today, with announcements from two different companies for two slightly different reasons. GoPro revealed the cost of its Omni VR capture rig, as well as launched its own app for 360-degree videos, while YouTube is expanding its existing support for 360-degree videos by allowing video creators who use its service to stream the all-directional video format to other users from today.
Unveiled earlier this month, the
GoPro Omni is a spherical VR camera mount for six GoPro Hero4 Black cameras, which can be used to record in 360 degrees. Pre-orders for the setup have started, with the entire Omni package consisting of six Hero4 Black cameras, the rig, and all cables, memory cards, and software needed to complete the kit for $5,000. A version is also being offered consisting of just the rig for $1,500.
GoPro VR is a free app the camera producer has created to show off "original content from GoPro and a global community of artists," as well as videos produced using its Omni rig. The virtual portal, a rebranding of Kolor Eyes for
iOS and
Android, is meant for use via a head-mounted display such as Google Cardboard, but can also be viewed from the browser as a 360-degree video.
YouTube originally brought 360-degree video to the service in
March last year, but only for pre-recorded clips.
Today, content creators can now create a stream that will display as a 360-degree video, provided the source is able to output the right format. In order to encourage its use by existing YouTube stars, YouTube Space locations around the world will be providing facilities to stream live.
Pre-recorded 360-degree video content also gains an extra feature: spatial audio. When viewing a clip, changing the viewpoint also alters the audio played to the user, something which YouTube suggests adds depth, distance, and intensity to a clip's soundtrack. Spatial audio is not currently available for live streaming.
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