Considering that Samsung Gear VR is yet to go on sale, the breadth of content announced thus far is impressive. One thing that is clear however, Samsung and Oculus clearly see this device as much as a video delivery device as a gaming platform. But details on what video content will look like on the platform and how it’ll be delivered are somewhat thin on the ground. We’ve got 10 images from content produced exclusively for im360VR, the platform that will be used by Samsung to deliver and let you play 360 video content on the Gear VR.
Around the World in 360 Degrees
You may not know Immersive Media by name, but it’s a sure thing that you’ve used their technology without realising. They’re the company behind the technology that makes Google Street View possible and Samsung have chosen them to design the systems used to deliver head-tracked, immersive 360 video for their new Oculus-engineered VR Headset, Gear VR.
Using im360VR and Gear VR you’ll be able to download or stream specially shot 360 videos, complete with head tracking. The player will ship with Gear VR along with a selection of short films designed to highlight the format’s potential. Film-maker Ryan Whitehead has flown round the world, 360 camera at the ready, seeking spectacular vistas to capture for Gear VR and below are a glimpse of the results. The images are single frames from some of Ryan’s work, the final videos will be presented in 2880×1440 at 60 FPS with a 40MBps bitrate.
We’ll be talking to Ryan to learn more about Immersive Media, his time working with Gear VR, and what we can expect from im360VR when the device launches later this year. We’ll also be finding out what technical and creative challenges shooting cinematic 360 video presents.
In the mean time, enjoy the view…
