Facebook is looking to ease users into virtual reality by using 360-degree videos that you can watch on your phone.
People familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal reports, claim that the company is just starting to develop an app that will support 360-degree, so-called "spherical" videos.
What this means is that a video is shot with up to 16 cameras, creating a "bubble" of visual information the user can explore by tilting their phone. The change of perspective happens instantly and is very immersive.
Although there is not much detail about the technical specs, the future app should work on both Apple and Samsung phones, making it iOS and Android compabile.
Facebook representatives did not wish to comment on the rumor.
What is certain, however, is that Facebook purchased virtual reality (VR) firm Oculus VR in the past year for $2 billion.
Chris Cox, Facebook's chief product officer, said in February that the company is exploring the possibilities of VR app development.
VR is, according to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during a summer Q&A, the "next major computing and communication platform after phones," thereby supporting Cox's statement. Zuckerberg remains confident that the smartphone is an integral part of our reality and the gateway to new experiences, but things can be even better.
"I think we'll also have glasses on our faces that can help us out throughout the day and give us the ability to share our experiences with those we love in completely immersive and new ways that aren't possible today," Zuckerberg stated.
Even if the immersion degree of the VR app will be inferior to the experience offered by Oculus Rift, users might find a light first contact with virtual reality more comfortable. Reactions of gamers playing their favorite titles on Oculus Rift are going viral over the Internet.
Michael Abrash, Oculus Rift chief scientist, describes the ways VR can evolve.
Optimization of hand movements will make a huge leap forward, bringing the virtual world closer to reality. Users will be able to perceive silhouettes when looking around and even port real elements from offline to VR. Picking up a phone or using a PC while still wearing the headset will happen.
Art also sometimes precludes reality. The Sleepy Hollow: Virtual Reality Experience, destined for the Oculus Rift, made history last weekend when it won an Emmy for "User Experience and Visual Design"—a VR work receiving such an esteemed prize. It might be the first of many.
