Virtual reality is set to become a major buzz term in 2016. Last month, YouTube announced that it now supports virtual reality content, ramping up from 360 video, which has been available on the platform since March. Facebook, too, is making inroads on VR, with the first Oculus Rift headsets to be made available to the public in Q1 of next year, while Mark Zuckerberg himself has detailed, on several occasions, how he sees VR as the next major computing platform and an expanded opportunity to connect the world through shared experiences. On the next level, tech evangelist Robert Scoble recently discussed how he visited Twentieth Century Fox and got a look at their plans for VR-enabled, interactive movies, noting that 'when you experience it, you're gonna' be pretty amazed'.
But while the hype machine around VR will shift into top gear over the next 12 months, it's likely going to take a little longer yet before virtual reality becomes a actual, tangible option for most people. As with all tech advancements, progress is limited by capacity - not everyone will be able to afford an Oculus Rift straight up, not everyone will see the need to trade up to VR just yet. That time will come, no doubt, but it's more likely that we have at least one more iteration of video content in between before we're able to move onto that next plane of full virtual reality experiences. That iteration, which we're now seeing advance at a rapid rate, is 360 degree video - and mark my words, this will be a major trend for video content in 2016.
Underlining this, Facebook's ramping up its efforts to showcase the possibilities and opportunities of 360 video on the platform, with a new blog post outlining how charities and causes are using 360 content to "tell their stories and bring new perspective to the work that they're doing around the globe". Introduced to Facebook back in September, 360 content is growing fast - a quick scan of the "360 Degree Videos on Facebook" Page provides an overview of the diverse range of 360 content being created and shared on The Social Network, and the effectiveness of the offering to convey a real sense of being in the moment - watching from the sidelines of an NBA game, for example, is a pretty amazing experience.
Facebook's planning to highlight a new charity or cause each day this week, which is an intelligent way to boost exposure both for the charities themselves and the offering. If you want to know where the future of video marketing is at - and who doesn't, video advertising's the fastest growing ad category in the world, and it's showing no signs of slowing down - then you need to pay attention to developments in 360 degree video. And if you're considering creating your own, Facebook has a handy micro-site dedicated to teaching people how to do just that.
Here are some of the highlighted causes:
The SourceMeet Selam, a 13-year-old girl who lives in a remote village in Ethiopia. See how her life is changed when she gets clean drinking water for the very first time. Use your phone or click & drag to view this 360 film.
Posted by charity: water on Monday, November 30, 2015
Experience the TOMS Virtual Giving TripExperience Giving and witness the impact of TOMS Shoes first-hand when you take a virtual journey to Peru. See the incredible work our Giving Partners are doing and meet some of the children who receive our shoes in this 360 video.
Posted by TOMS on Sunday, November 29, 2015
Jared Leto Tour Guides Alaska's Melting Glaciers in 360°: Act In ParisJared Leto tour guides you through Alaska's melting glaciers in our latest 360° film with Sierra Club. Take action at actinparis.org #ActInParis
Posted by RYOT on Thursday, October 8, 2015