Facebook launches 360 videos in Newsfeed
Facebook now gives users a subtle taste of virtual reality right in the Newsfeed. The social media giant has launched a new video, dubbed “360 video,” which will allow users to change the perspective of the video as it plays by just dragging the cursor on the Web version. On mobiles, users can use their fingers to drag and alter the angle they want to see the video from.
“You’ll be able to hold up your phone and the 360 video will follow you as you turn, looking around, to experience things from all over the world like never before,” said Maher Saba, Engineering Director, Video on a official blog post.
Facebook users on the Web or Android phones can now see amazing 360 videos created by individuals, media companies and organisations in Newsfeed. As the 360 video plays, a user can rotate his smartphone and change the point-of-view in any direction according to his preference. The feature will be soon rolled out to iOS.
Disney and Lucasfilm shared an immersive 360 video from its upcoming movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens that’s slated for release on Dec. 18 in the United States. Disney said that quite a lot of publishers, including Discovery, GoPro, LeBron James & Uninterrupted, NBC’s Saturday Night Live and VICE, will share 360 videos on Facebook.
Last March, YouTube launched the 360 degree video support, reported Financial Times. In order to take on YouTube, Facebook will look towards aggressive expansion of its footprint in the video domain.
On Tuesday, Facebook announced that publications can post Instant Articles directly from the Content Management System (CMS), a move intended to strengthen its relationship with media companies. Reputed publications like The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Mashable and Daily Mail joined Facebook’s Instant Articles Program, reports Tech Times.
The report said The Washington Post will push 1,200 articles everyday on Facebook Newsfeed. Posting articles on Facebook will give users a seamless news reading experience and provide a huge audience for publications.
Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au or let us know what you think below.
