The Past and Future of 360° Photo and Video – From Niche to Mainstream
Introduction
- Brief introduction to 360 Photo and Video technology.
- Mention Michael Kolchesky’s presentation at World VR Forum (WVRF18).
- How 360 imagery evolved from a niche tool to a widely used medium.
1. The Origins of 360 VR Imagery
- Early applications of 360 photography and video.
- First-generation 360 cameras and software.
- Challenges faced in the early stages of 360 content creation.
2. Evolution of 360 Camera Technology
- The role of major manufacturers (GoPro, Insta360, Ricoh, etc.).
- Transition from bulky rigs to compact consumer-friendly 360 cameras.
- Improvements in image quality, resolution, and frame rates.
3. Advancements in Software and Editing Tools
- Evolution of 360 video stitching techniques.
- Software improvements: Adobe Premiere Pro, Kolor, and emerging AI-based tools.
- The impact of VR headsets and platforms (Oculus, HTC Vive, Meta).
4. 360 Content Goes Mainstream
- Integration of 360 images in Google Maps and Street View.
- 360 video adoption on YouTube, Facebook, and VR platforms.
- Industries utilizing 360 imagery: real estate, tourism, gaming, and education.
5. Challenges in 360 Photography and Video
- Monetization struggles for 360 content creators.
- The high cost of production and hardware.
- The gap between 360 video and traditional filmmaking techniques.
6. Future Trends in 360 Imaging
- AI-powered enhancements for automated stitching and real-time editing.
- The rise of volumetric video and 3D photogrammetry.
- The convergence of 360 video with AR and mixed reality (MR).
- The impact of social media and mobile-friendly 360 content.
7. Conclusion: What’s Next for 360 VR?
- Summary of how 360 photo and video have evolved.
- Predictions on how new immersive technologies will shape the industry.
- The importance of standardization, accessibility, and innovation.
World VR Forum #WVRF18
Annual summit – Switzerland
Crans-Montana
June 7-9 2018
