Facebook Debuts 360 Video with Star Wars Exclusive
Facebook FB revealed a new 360-video feature with a series of short clips posted on the social network today, including a minute-long Star War exclusive created by Lucasfilms.
The video, which can be viewed here, takes users on a high-speed journey through the Jakku desert from the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. When on a computer, the camera view can be changed by moving the device, while users on mobile devices can move the actual device to change the angle.
The Star Wars clip was posted alongside other content from Discovery, Vice, GoPro GPRO, and others. Currently, the 360-degree style of video requires a relatively complex setup, but as the technology becomes more mainstream, Facebok hopes it will become more widely used by its regular user base.
"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," Facebook said. "Along with updates from your friends and family, you will also be able to discover amazing new content on Facebook from media companies, organizations, and individual creators."
The new video feature coincided with Facebook's new annual Oculus Connect event. Facebook's purchase of Oculus has made it one of the frontrunners in the virtual reality market, but it will face strict competition. YouTube has already featured 360 video, and Valve and HTC's HTCXF Vive VR device will probably hit shelves before Facebook's Oculus Rift.
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