YouTube bets big on live 360-degree video
YouTube is beavering away on the development of a live 360-degree video capability as it seeks to position itself as a lead player in the burgeoning field of virtual reality and immersive live broadcasts.
According to BuzzFeed the online video platform is developing the broadcast quality platform in collaboration with camera manufacturers in the expectation that livestreams filmed in the format will explode over the coming years.
YouTube has already dabbled in 360-degree video since launching the format last year but a move toward live-streaming would enable it to tap into a potentially massive market for spectators and concert goers to virtually attend sports matches and gigs.
Many pundits believe it will be the next big thing in video and follows the launch of Google Cardboard which transforms compatible smartphones into a low cost virtual reality headset capable of displaying the content.
Google has been leading the push in other areas too, premiering a number of virtual reality videos with 3D effects that are not possible on 360-degree videos as they exist at the moment.
YouTube has not yet commented on when the new platform is likely to be consumer ready.