surround360
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Facebook open sources its 360-degree video camera
Facebook said from the start that it would open source its Surround 360 camera this summer, and it's following through on that promise. You can now visit GitHub to learn how to build the camera, install its software and (naturally) tweak both the hardware and software to meet your needs. Just keep in mind that this isn't exactly a homebrew project -- you'll need about $30,000 in parts to build the official version. It's more for video pros that want to produce 360-degree content without having to turn to pricier, pre-packaged offerings like Nokia's Ozo. Still, it's worth exploring the source if you want to either see how Facebook's VR cam works or design a lower-cost alternative.
Facebook shows its first video from its 360-degree camera rig
Facebook was quick to talk about being at the forefront of 360-degree video when it unveiled its Surround 360 rig, but how good is that massive 14-camera array, really? As of today, you can find out for yourself. Mark Zuckerberg has posted the social network's first video shot and produced with the Surround 360, and it's a good hint as to what you can expect from virtual reality movies. The 3.5-minute short is more of a tech demo than a creative work (you sit in New York City's Grand Central Terminal as visitors walk by), but it showcases both the seamless nature of the video the potential of the format. It feels more like you're there, not just peeping through a lens.
