Facebook is to post an exclusive 360-degree Star Wars clip, as the social network looks to ramp up its virtual reality content ahead of the commercial launch if its Oculus Rift device. 360 Video on Facebook Posted by 360 Videos on Facebook on Tuesday, 22 September 2015 The sequence, created by Lucasfilm’s special effects team […]
Facebook is to post an exclusive 360-degree Star Wars clip, as the social network looks to ramp up its virtual reality content ahead of the commercial launch if its Oculus Rift device.
Posted by 360 Videos on Facebook on Tuesday, 22 September 2015
The sequence, created by Lucasfilm’s special effects team ILMxLAB, allows users to look in all directions as the camera whizzes through the sci-fi scene.When watched on a normal computer, the mouse is used to move the view.
360-degree videos are becoming more common as we head towards an expected future of widespread use of VR, thanks to gadgets like the Samsung Gear VR and the Oculus Rift.
On mobile devices, a user can move the device around to alter the perspective. Other 360 videos posted include content from Discovery, GoPro, NBC and Vice.
“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 social network said.
“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.”
Facebook’s main rival in online video, YouTube, has already entered the 360 video space.
The company also faces fierce competition in the hardware market as well – the Oculus Rift is set to be released after the HTC Vive, a key competitor backed by games firm Valve.
