Facebook to launch live videos in 360 format

Screen Grab from Facebook Media Blog

True to its promise of introducing fresh and innovative features for its massive following, Facebook will be launching a new option for videos called Live 360.

The latest modification, which complements the platform’s sharing of live videos, gives users an option to fully immerse into their environment by streaming clips in 360 format—right as they happen.

According to Facebook’s media release, the tech giant, along with National Geographic, will demonstrate its latest innovation on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) live from the Mars Desert Research Station facility in Utah.

Aside from viewing Facebook’s latest feature, viewers will also witness space scientists simulate life from Mars—including complete isolation from humanity—as they prepare for their journey to the Red Planet. National Geographic will be live on Facebook in 360 degrees as the scientists emerge from the pods and explore the living quarters.

The pioneering live 360 video will also feature a Q&A with science experts and writers, and will take questions from the Facebook audience.

After its debut tomorrow, Live 360 will have a soft launch in selected countries and will be be available to more users in the coming months. Facebook says the feature will roll out for all pages and profiles in early 2017.  Khristian Ibarrola