Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) came out Wednesday with two new 360-degree cameras to add to its repertoire of Surround 360 degree lineup of products. These devices will enable photographers and videographers to gather more immersive media to allow users, particularly those with virtual reality headsets like the Oculus, to feel like they're reliving the moment.
Facebook is putting much of its heart, soul and coin into virtual reality and what it calls augmented reality, where computer images are superimposed on the real world. On Tuesday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called augmented reality "Act 2" for Facebook.
The x24 and x6 cameras – which the company stressed will not be sold directly to consumers -- are equipped with 24 cameras and six cameras respectively. Both devices are reported to be capable of shooting in six degrees of freedom -- that is, moving forward/backward, up/down, and left/right -- allowing them to capture a full 360-degree video or images.
Tech-savvy folks observed that this is the same kind of freedom of motion high-quality VR allows, but this time with live-action shots. It’s done using a mix of hardware and software that captures a better understanding of the depth of objects in a scene, and replicates perspectives that the camera never captured originally.
Facebook added that, while some of its partners appreciated last year's Surround 360 design, these cameras are for partners who just want one product. It also thinks its hardware and software are more cohesive and easier to use than existing technology.
Facebook shares neared the close Wednesday at $142.14 U.S, up $1.18, or 0.8% ahead of Tuesday’s close.
