A new mobile app with the ability to support 360 degrees videos could be in the offing from Facebook. If the app is developed, it will give strong indications of the social media giant’s intention to take Virtual Reality (VR) to another level. The app is designed to allow its users to view 360-degree videos from multiple angles by simply tilting their mobile phones. The app will be compatible with all phones running on iOS and Android platforms.
This is not the first time Facebook is trying its hand in virtual reality. The company purchased virtual reality headset maker Oculus last year in a deal that saw Facebook acquire the firm’s premium Oculus Rift headset. Facebook went ahead to invest heavily in Oculus Virtual Reality platform with an aim of releasing the Q1 in 2016.
The new 360-degree video app is in line with Facebook’s VR strategy. When launched, the app will beneficial to the company and users in many ways.
This will be the first inexpensive app that offers a true VR experience. While there is no definite price tag of the app at the moment, users will only need to have a mobile device that runs on Android or iOS to operate the app, thereby keeping overall costs down.
Additionally, the app could present another avenue for Facebook to increase its revenue. While the amount of money Facebook expects to make from the app’s use is still speculative at the moment, other companies who have launched the 360 – degree video mobile app have been pretty successful. YouTube has its version of 360-degree video channel that boasts more than 400,000 subscribers in the short time it has been in existence.
The massive success enjoyed by YouTube’s 360-degree video channel has enticed advertisers to start creating video ads that can be broadcasted by the video channel. Facebook is banking on it strong financial base and millions of users already using its platform to propel the new app to success. Facebook is known for gaining large audiences for its products, and the VR app is expected to follow suit and bring advertisers on board as well.
Facebook might be upbeat about their new app, but it is imperative to note that the initial success of the VR industry largely depends on mobile audiences. However, as Virtual Reality becomes more mainstream, some users will shift to the use of headsets, and that’s when Facebook can hope to generate substantial revenue.