Facebook’s new feature will function similarly to 360-degree videos. Therefore, Gear VR’s over a million users in April is a strong reason to stir up interest in writing VR apps.
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According to Max Cohen, Oculus’ Head of Mobile, Facebook has no immediate plans to extend 360-degree content, either photos or videos, to Instagram.
The company also announced that Felix and Paul Studios has now released Nomads for the Oculus on Gear VR, which is basically a unique 360 3D virtual reality series that follows the lives of several nomadic peoples. He said the increasing user base also meant that developers would be pushed to create even more content. While games are a big part of the Gear VR experience, Oculus says nearly 80% of users view VR videos on their devices, and seven of its 10 most popular apps are for video.
Contrasting 360-degree videos, virtually anyone with a smartphone will be able to create these new photos.
Before you go out and spend any money, however, it is worth noting that it isn’t yet clear if Facebook will support all of the 360-degree photos you can make with various cameras and apps.
While the Oculus Rift might command more attention, it’s mobile VR headsets like the Gear VR which will bring virtual reality to a mainstream audience. The Gear was a forerunner to a more advanced virtual-reality headset called the Rift that costs $600 and requires a connection to a high-powered computer.
“Deadliest Catch VR drops fans directly into the heart-pounding action of the Bering Sea, transforming them into virtual crew members on this season’s most risky boats”, Oculus wrote on the show’s description.
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“A million is kind of a magic number for a lot of people to start taking this seriously”. You become keenly aware of the sounds, and you empathize with Hull as he both celebrates his other senses while lamenting the loss of one. Although the numbers look insignificant, the numbers are an indication of momentum as it’s only been six months since Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus was introduced.
