A bit more than a week ago, Facebook announced its new 360-degree video capability. It sounds really cool, right? But the truth is that: 1. YouTube did it first, and 2. Not many users seem to care (yet).
Also Read: YouTube Starts Showing 360-degree Video Ads
The new feature is already available on both mobile devices and desktops. It is in all aspects, very similar to what YouTube has already been doing for a little while. On your phone, you can simply move your device around the video, or tap and drag. On desktop, you click and drag your mouse around to explore the video in 360.
If you like our stories, there is an easy way to stay updated:
Follow @wersm
So, did Facebook really need 360-degree video? The answer is YES, because YouTube is doing it and in Facebook’s race to become the #1 online video platform, it just cannot afford to stay behind in term of technology.
But the truth is we expect way more from Facebook. Especially since the company acquired Oculus a year ago. Nevertheless, this is a good thing as the videos are rather well-made and quite immersive in fact. There are only a few available for now – probably because only a few companies have yet the means to produce such videos – but you can check some good examples from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Discovery, GoPro (of course), and VICE.
Note that as for YouTube, 360-degree videos will only play on Facebook when browsing from Firefox or Google Chrome, and not from Safari nor Internet Explorer.
Try it now:
You might also like
More from Facebook
Facebook And Instagram Introduce Cross-App Messaging
Facebook and Instagram have introduced cross-app messaging, letting users from one app find and message you on the other.
Facebook To Begin Testing Topic Exclusion Controls For Advertisers
Facebook is to begin testing a new brand safety options, including new Facebook Ads topic exclusion controls for a small …
Facebook Oversight Board Publishes Decisions On First Cases
Back in December, Facebook's independent Oversight Board took on its first cases. Its decisions on these cases are now published.
Facebook Continues To Lose Users In The US And Canada
Facebook’s daily active users decline for a second quarter in the United States and Canada, caused by user fatigue and …
Facebook Launches Facebook News Portal In The UK
Facebook is starting to roll out Facebook News in the UK, a destination in its app featuring curated news from …
Facebook Revamps Access Your Information On iOS And Android
Facebook has announced a revamped version of its Access Your Information tool, making it easier for users to find and …
Facebook Bans Ads Promoting Weapon Accessories Ahead Of Inauguration Day
Facebook has announced a ban, on its platforms, of ads promoting weapon accessories and protective equipment - at least through …
Facebook Bans Donald Trump Indefinitely From Its Platforms
Following the recent events in Washington DC, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced an indefinite ban on Donald Trump from …
New Facebook Pages Come Without A Like Button
Facebook is rolling out a new design for Facebook Pages. It comes with new features, but without a Like button.