Last March YouTube launched prerecorded 360 degree videos which allow viewers to scroll and have a full field of view rather than the usual stationary 16:9 look. Now Google is allowing the ability to live stream 360 degree videos directly onto YouTube. To see an example of 360 degree videos, watch this video.
Google has been moving toward 360 degree, interactive videos and experiences for a few years now including their Google Business View, which allows businesses to invite customers into an indoor view of their business but this step is a much bigger leap toward virtual reality.
Google also announced Spatial Audio. The goal of spatial audio allows you to listen to music and video as you would in real life with depth, distance and intensity all play a role. Google will be demoing 360 degree live stream and spatial audio this week at the Coachella Music Festival.
These announcements, along with Facebook’s live streaming, point to the growth of interactive and virtual reality type experiences online. To get the full effect of YouTube’s 360 degree video and Spatial audio, you will need a virtual reality headset. Only time will tell if user adoption takes off on VR but the more opportunities and platforms that allow for it could increase user adoption
For businesses, bloggers and website owners, it means to be on the look out for more ways to incorporate 360 view and live stream into your website and social media activities. If you haven’t already, add Google Business View to your website or begin experimenting with live stream on Facebook or Periscope to start seeing how you can take advantage of the growth in technology.
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