Posted Tue Apr 19, 2016 at 02:00 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
The streaming platform now offers new immersive playback options for select content.
YouTube has announced the addition of live 360 degree streaming video support. Likewise, the company is also launching spatial audio support for on demand videos.
360 degree video support was first launched on YouTube back in March, but now support has been expanded to include live streaming playback. With 360 degree videos, users are able to enjoy a fully immersive viewing experience that allows them to shift the perspective around the room, placing them right in the thick of news events, exotic destinations, sports games, and music concerts. And to help kick off the launch of live 360 playback, YouTube will be live streaming select artist performances in 360 degrees this weekend from the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Meanwhile, YouTube is also launching spatial audio for on demand videos. Spatial audio allows users to listen to content just as they do in real life, where depth, distance and intensity all play a role.
For a sample of the technology, check out the below 360 degree video with spatial audio on your Android device. And click here for a playlist of additional 360 degree videos with spatial audio.
YouTube is also helping to further Virtual Reality tech by reaching out to other companies in the industry. To this end, YouTube is working with companies like VideoStitch and Two Big Ears to help make their software compatible with 360 degree live streams and spatial audio. Likewise, 360 degree live streaming and spatial audio technologies will be available at all YouTube Space locations around the globe, allowing creators to test out these exciting new production features.
Source: YouTube Blog
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