YouTube's new 360-degree videos can be viewed on web browsers and Android devices, and require no VR (Virtual Reality) headset. The new feature is available through web browsers at youtube.com, embedded videos on Google Chrome, and through the Android OS YouTube app.
When using a phone or tablet, the user can move the device in order to see various angles as the video plays. The same can be done at youtube.com and on Chrome by using the mouse to change the perspective of the user, according to the YouTube blog. Devices such as iPad and iPhone will be available next.
Creating a 360-degree video is more complicated than simply uploading a standard video to the YouTube site. Step 1: secure a 360-degree video camera.
Unfortunately, you cannot simply take one huge panoramic shot and then upload it for simulated 3D. You also cannot mash up multiple videos that you have taken from sevferal perspectives. Both methods earn an E grade for effort.
After you have set up your 360-degree camera, you will have to run a Python script on it. This inserts the metadata required by YouTube to detect and process it as a video of the 360-degree variety, according to PC Mag Asia.
For the present time the script is required. However, YouTube hopes to have an automated version in the future.
One amazing feature is that you can pause a video while watching it, and then change your perspective. While watching a video you can also pan around a particular scene while you're not on YouTube's website.
The main drawback of the 360-degree videos is that they are somewhat grainy. While they are not as clear as crystal yet, they give us a look into the future of online videos.