360-degree based virtual reality video promises a new level of immersion for consumers that goes beyond what a routine video clip is capable of. Despite there impressiveness, there is still a great deal of untapped potential for the format, but now it appears that YouTube is stepping things up.
Buzzfeed reports that Google’s video division is looking at ways to create 360-degree livestreamed video. Although things are still in the planning stages, several sources note that YouTube has met with several 360-degree camera manufacturers in an effort to gain more support for the format on its platform.
The company first launched its 360-degree video format back in March with several examples of how effective virtual reality video is at adding an extra dimension to everything from high-flying activities to wild concert experiences.
Regular YouTube videos are already compatible with Google Cardboard through the app, but 3D “virtual reality videos” offer a new level of depth.
Now the only question is if technology can keep up, as some videos need to be “stitched” together to create the ideal 360-degree effect. Devices like the GoPro Odyssey are already capable of doing that, and YouTube could be meeting with other manufacturers to expand on the technology.
Reps for the video channel didn’t have any comment on the story, so things remains speculative for now. Still, considering that virtual reality could be heading into a market worth billions of dollars, it wouldn’t be a shock to see YouTube possess the immersive content needed to become a leader in content.
