Samsung launches 360 Round VR camera

Samsung 360 Round

Samsung has launched 360 Round, a new camera for creating and streaming 3D content for virtual reality (VR).

Announced at the Samsung Developer Conference 2017, the Samsung 360 Round uses 17 lenses – eight stereo pairs positioned horizontally and one single lens positioned vertically.

The camera is designed to livestream 3D video in 4K, capture spatial audio, and create 3D images with depth.

“We have developed a product that contains innovative VR features, allowing video producers and broadcast professionals to easily produce high quality 3D content,” said Suk-Jea Hahn, executive vice-president of Samsung Electronics’ global mobile B2B team.

“The combination of livestreaming capabilities, IP65 water and dust resistance and 17 lenses makes this camera ideal for a broad range of use cases our customers want – from livestreaming major events to filming at training facilities across various industries.”

Samsung said that the camera will be available “at a reasonable price compared to other professional 360 cameras”. Reports suggest a retail price of US$10,500.

The news comes less than two weeks after Nokia said it will halt further development of its OZO VR camera, citing “slower-than-expected development of the VR market”.