An iPhone streams a Facebook Live feed of the lobby of Trump Tower, Nov. 29, 2016, in New York City. (Photo : Getty Images)
Facebook has previously launched the Live Video feature as well as the tools to post pre-recorded 360-degree videos. The social media site is now combining the two and will launch Live 360-Degree Video in early 2017 and it will be referred to as Live 360.
The very first partner to test this new system out is National Geographic, Variety reported. The network will be using the 360-Degree Live Video feature on Tuesday, Dec. 13 as part of the promotional material for the upcoming Mars space-travel series.
The video goes live starting 12 PM PST and the broadcast will be conducted at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah. It will focus on eight scientists as they emerge from pods in environmental conditions set to simulate life on Mars after 80 days.
Viewers on Facebook will be able to pan the video around in all directions by either using a mouse or by moving a smartphone around. As noted this will be the first time Live 360 will be put to use. Just like other Facebook features the Live 360 tool is expected to be further updated and refined in the coming months.
According to Android Headlines, Facebook will begin launching the feature for additional partners beginning in early 2017. Product Manager Supratik Lahiri and Software Engineer Chetan Gupta spearheaded the announcement and continue to support Facebook's push to focus on video content.
The social media network did not yet announce which companies are already lined up to feature Live 360-Degree Videos. Facebook also did not disclose how these videos may be used.
It should be noted that this is not the first time Facebook has put a big emphasis on 360-Degree videos. This type of video content first debuted back in September 2015 when Facebook released a 360-Degree promotional video for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
Posting pre-recorded 360-Degree videos for Instant Articles quickly followed and 360-Degree photo support was launched this past June. Live broadcasting was made available beginning this past April.
