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If we’re to listen to Facebook, videos are the future of social media. And other companies seem to agree as well, as the prevalence of VR, 360 degree and other types of novelty videos has increased drastically in the past few weeks. For example, Littlstar brings 360 degree interactive videos to Apple TV.
The Apple doesn’t fall far from its rivals
Seeing as both Google and Facebook have been putting out 360 degree, VR, and interactive videos, it was about time for Apple to get their own.
Google has released at least three separate videos over the past month that allow users to watch, look around, and interact with their environment.
First there was a training session with the New England Patriots; then, more recently, a tour of the White House decorated for Christmas was released. Finally, yesterday, a short interactive animation from the creators of Wallace and Gromit, about a caretaker chasing Santa, which offers multiple endings, as well as over 60 secrets, was released on YouTube.
Now, by associating with Littlstar, Apple has its own set of modern videos, and for Apple TV, mind you.
The videos come courtesy of an Apple TV app created in partnership with Littlstar, which is basically a network of virtual reality and 360 degree videos. This officially brings 360 degree videos to Apple for the first time.
Although lacking the variety found on Youtube, Littlstar seems to fit in perfectly with what Apple TV can do.
By using the Siri remote, one of the two accessories that come with the Apple TV, you can move the video around just by dragging your finger across the smooth surface of the remote.
This offers a slight superiority to Google’s new videos, as unless you have one of a few models of phones, you can only move the camera the video by clicking and dragging.
Littlstar not as little as the name implies
The company was launched in 2014, and it used funds from Disney’s accelerator program in order to gain momentum.
They became home to a wide variety of 360 degree videos, from races to documentaries, and even sports events, giving them a more Vimeo-like style rather than YouTube.
The service does allow user submissions, but it also partners up with companies like Mountain Dew and National Geographic for extra video content.
Apple isn’t the company’s first partner to whom they provided the service, as other Littlstar apps exist for Android, iOS and even Samsung’s Gear VR.
Image source: Wikimedia
