GoPro is dipping their hands deeper into the virtual reality market as it introduced its new VR kit. The action camera manufacturer is also set to launch a VR platform that would allow sharing of immersive videos.
The all-new Omni camera kit features six Hero4 cameras that were arranged into what is dubbed as a spherical array. It also has an aluminum rig that is made lightweight making it more convenient for action shots, Mashable reported.
The camera, which will let users capture 8K video, will be making use of a 360-degree video editing software called Kolor. According to Variety, the software helps in putting together the recordings captured by the cameras into one spherical video.
The Omni is priced at $4,999 making it a lot cheaper than the GoPro Odyssey, which was launched last year. The latter, dubbed as a high-end VR device, is a 16-camera unit arranged in a circular array and can be purchased at $15,000.
The Omni is now available for pre-order at GoPro's official website. However, shipping date remains unconfirmed.
Unveiled: The New GoPro OMNI 360-Degree Video Rig for VR - https://t.co/L4R0lHvjkJ pic.twitter.com/m3N1zkB7Vd
— B&H Photo Video (@BHPhotoVideo) April 18, 2016
Meanwhile, the California-based company will be launching a website that would feature 360-degree video along with viewing apps for both iOS and Android. Dubbed as GoPro VR, the site would enable sharing of VR content from all over the world. Also, the apps would permit users to look at the 360-degree videos not only on their mobile phones but also on any Google Cardboard-compatible headset.
Additionally, a VR mode may be enabled which will split the video to make it fitting with the numerous VR headsets currently in the market for iPhone. 9to5 Mac reported that app will also allow its users to move their mobile units in whatever direction to steer the video. The feature is in addition to the dragging the finder on the phone's display to move around the 360-degree videos.
Here's a closer look at the GoPro Omni:
