You can already stream Live video from your phone to Facebook, and soon, you’ll be able to give viewers 360-degree views.
Facebook on Monday announced Live 360, a new feature that combines Live and 360-degree videos.
“Live video on Facebook gives people an immediate, authentic window into what’s happening in the world right now; 360 video immerses viewers fully into the scene, letting them explore on their own and experience a new environment,” Product Manager Supratik Lahiri and Software Engineer Chetan Gupta wrote in a blog post. “We’re combining these two formats with Live 360 video. Live 360 transports people into new experiences—right as they happen.”
Facebook is launching Live 360 today with the help of National Geographic, which will be broadcasting live from the Mars Desert Research Station facility in Utah at 12 p.m. ET. At that time, viewers around the world will be able to watch as eight space scientists emerge from 80 days of isolation.
For nearly three months, these scientists have lived in pods simulating every aspect of life on Mars, “including total isolation from humanity,” National Geographic said. Viewers tomorrow will get to tour their living quarters, see how they suit up in their space suits, and take a rover for a drive across Mars. The Live 360 tomorrow will include a Q&A with space experts.
Live 360 video will be available to more Pages in the coming months. Facebook said it will roll out more broadly for all Pages and Profiles next year.
