Chances are you saw a live stream – or many live streams − pop up on social media during this holiday season, and it very likely happened via Facebook Live. Whether it was live access to the great aunt fascinated by her first virtual reality (VR) experience on Christmas morning or the little kids making cookies, live streaming seems to be quickly growing in popularity, and Twitter is making moves to ensure it’s not left behind.
Earlier this month, the company announced live video powered by Periscope, and this week, Twitter’s Director of AR and VR Alessandro Sabatelli introduced 360-degree live streams. “When you see a video marked with a LIVE 360 badge, you can interact with it to change what you see by moving your phone or swiping the screen – all while watching live,” Sabatelli writes in a blog. “See what’s unfolding behind, above, or below the broadcaster’s view for an immersive experience.”
Twitter reports that anyone on Twitter and Periscope can watch live 360 videos. However, for now, only select partners can broadcast live in 360 via Periscope.
“We’re testing 360 broadcasts with a small group of partners, and will be rolling out this feature more broadly during the coming weeks,” a blog on Periscope’s site states.
