Periscope announced a short while ago that they are introducing a new way for users to experience the platform via live 360 degree videos. With this initial launch, Periscope is making the ability to broadcast a live 360 video available to a “small group of partners” with a broader rollout of the feature expected in the coming weeks. Eventually, assuming testing is successful, the ability to broadcast a live 360 video should be available for all Periscope users.
If you happen to run across one of Periscope's partners who can broadcast a live 360 video, you will be able to tell they are doing so by a small badge that will be marking the feed on both Periscope and on Twitter. When viewing one of these videos, users can change the point of view by moving their phone or by tapping and scrolling around the screen.
Periscope notes that with the 360 videos, the broadcaster will be much more important in anchoring the experience. While it is likely several of these new videos will still be from statically mounted cameras – say from one setup in an auditorium for an event – Periscope is hoping broadcasters will feel more comfortable and perhaps be more willing to interact with viewers. An example of this can be seen in the first such 360 video posted by Alex Pettitt.
360 Sunset in Florida. First ever #Periscope360 with @Brandee_Anthony https://t.co/AZWbnnT15S
— Alex Pettitt (@Alexpettitt) December 28, 2016
The move by Periscope and Twitter follows similar capabilities being made available by YouTube and Facebook. Initially Periscope is providing native support for the Insta360 Nano camera, but they welcome new users to experiment with other 360 cameras via an application called Periscope Producer.
If you are interested in gaining access to the ability to broadcast your own live 360 videos on Periscope, you can sign up on the waitlist the company setup.
source: Periscope (Medium)
