GoPro, Inc. announced a new 16-camera rig designed for Google’s 3D, 360-degree virtual reality platform, Jump, through the Odyssey Limited Access Program (LAP).
Google unveils Jump at the Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O 2015, which lets creators capture moments in VR video.
It offers a 360-degree camera array for stereoscopic 3D content capture for virtual reality. GoPro Odyssey aims to eliminate challenges faced by content creators at the forefront of immersive content capture with the features like genlock synchronization, multi-camera control and extended battery life.
GoPro’s Odyssey and Google’s Jump platform will make it possible for anyone to experience a time or place like they’re actually there – through immersive, 3D, 360-degree content.
Odyssey packs 16 synchronized HERO4 Black cameras into an all-in-one rig that’s capable of capturing immersive content in stunning 8K30 video. The video from each camera is then uploaded to the Jump assembler to deliver an engaging experience from every direction.
Jump has three parts: a specialized camera, the GoPro Odyssey, an assembler that uses advanced computer vision and the computing power of the Google cloud to process the footage and a player, YouTube.
The assembler and YouTube are slated to launch later this year as the cameras become available.
Tony Bates, president of GoPro, said, “Virtual reality is a promising new innovation with incredible potential for commercial and artistic applications. With Odyssey and Jump, GoPro is encouraging content creators to pioneer the new technology – to capture, edit and share immersive content. We already know that GoPro users are some of the most talented content creators in the world, so we can’t wait to see how the professional community will use Odyssey to capture life’s most memorable moments in a whole new way.”
GoPro and Google will work together to select content partners who will be granted access to purchase the limited-quantity Odyssey rig and showcase the full potential of 360-degree content.
Odyssey will be offered at $15,000, which includes 16 HERO4 Black cameras, 16 array bacpacs with syncing cables, Custom-built ultra-rugged Pelican case, Microphone, Warranty and Support.
YouTube will be adding support for VR video playback soon.
Watch the New York City VR Shot on Odyssey 16-camera spherical array by GoPro.
You can watch the above video on desktop. But make sure to view in Chrome. To navigate, use click and drag or the ASWD keys.
You can view the New York City VR Shot on mobile. Open using the YouTube app, and navigate using click and drag or by moving your mobile device.
Beginning today, professional content creators and producers can apply to participate and purchase an Odyssey rig for delivery later this year.
GoPro has announced the $299.99 Hero+ LCD camera, few months back, shoots video up to a resolution of 1080p at 60 frames per second and photos at 8MP. Also GoPro’s Hero4 Session camera was designed to be much more simple than other GoPros, with a single button that starts and stops recording.
About GoPro, Inc.:
GoPro, Inc. is an American corporation that develops, manufactures and markets high-definition action cameras, often used in extreme-action videography.
In 2004, the company sold its first camera system, which used 35 mm film. Digital still and video camera were later introduced. As of 2014 a fixed-lens HD video camera with a wide 170-degree angle was available; two or more can be paired to create 3D video.
The company developed GoPro Studio, simple video editing software to edit camera footage, with v2.5 released in October 2014. It was reported that GoPro intended to also become a content provider.