Facebook Makes 360 Degree Photos Possible Through A New Feature

Facebook users can now enjoy uploading "360-degree" photos are the social media company has launched the new feature today.

Users are now allowed to upload and view "360-degree" photos directly in their newsfeed. Photos have to be taken using a panoramic view using the necessary setting in their smartphones or cameras. Third party app can also be used to take this kind of photo. As early as last month, Facebook already announced that this innovative feature would arrive. The feature was officially enabled today.

Facebook product manager Andy Huang said in a statement: "Along with 360 photos from friends and family, you can discover stunning new 360 photos on Facebook from public figures, publishers, and other organizations."

Mercury News reported that users would be able to identify "360-degree" images easily as they have a compass icon on them. Others users can then view the photo by simply dragging their fingers and moving their smartphone. Meanwhile, for those using the Samsung Gear VR headset, users can simply click on a designated button that says "View in VR".

Facebook has also worked on building an open source 360-degree video camera. It was formally introduced in April during its developer conference.

In the same report, Erna Alfred Liousas of the Forrester Research said this kind of videos seem hard to create when viewed through a consumer perspective. It also means brands would have to invest more to produce more interesting content. In an email interview with the Mercury News, Liousas noted: "'Till then we should expect to see Facebook stepping up to share more of this content to inspire brands and start resetting consumer expectations all to pave the way for VR in social networks."  

Facebook has also set up a Facebook online community for users to learn more about this new feature.