There were three big VR related announcements from Facebook this week. In September, Facebook made 360 videos available in their newsfeed, however at launch, the feature was only available for Android and web. Yesterday, they announced both iOS support, as well as opening up the platform to advertisers for the first time.
Currently AT&T, Corona (AB InBev), Nescafe (Nestle), Ritz (Mondelez), Samsung, and Walt Disney World (Walt Disney Parks and Resorts) are running ads, with more experiments coming shortly.
The video below is called “Walt Disney World Presents: How to Use 360 Video with Goofy!” and takes you for a 360 degree tour of some of the rides and attractions in classic Disney style.
Walt Disney World Presents: How to Use 360 Video with Goofy!
Join Goofy as he leads you through an exciting demonstration of 360-degree video technology, zapping you through a whirlwind tour of Walt Disney World Resort!
Posted by Walt Disney World on Wednesday, November 11, 2015
New 360 Video Resource Microsite
Facebook also announced the launch of a new microsite which includes upload guidelines, common questions, and a downloadable set of best practices authored by Chris Milk and Aaron Koplin of Vrse.
Still No iOS Mobile Browser or VR Support
Currently, Facebook’s 360 video player does not function in the mobile browser. In order to view the videos on mobile, you must use the Facebook app.
There is also no word yet as to when/if they will be offering VR support for iOS in the Facebook app’s newsfeed. At the moment, you can play videos, scroll around & rotate the phone and view them in 360, but no split screen feature is available yet for VR headsets such as Google Cardboard. We can only assume this feature is coming, which would really complete the experience.
Sean Earley is the Executive Editor of AR/VR Magazine & co-founder of RobotSpaceship Podcast Network. He is the Director of New Biz Development and Publishing at KEMWEB, a musician, producer & consultant. He loves guitars, VR and coffee.
