It might not work underwater (yet), but the new GoPro Odyssey opens up some fascinating possibilities.
GoPro has announced the limited availability of Odyssey, a new 16-camera rig designed for Google’s 3D, 360-degree virtual reality platform, Jump, through the Odyssey Limited Access Program (LAP). Professional content creators and producers can now apply to participate and purchase an Odyssey rig for delivery later this year.
First announced at Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O, Odyssey offers a 360-degree camera array for stereoscopic 3D content capture. Features such as genlock camera synchronization, multi-camera control and extended battery life aim to eliminate challenges faced by content creators at the forefront of immersive content capture. Together, 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.
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
- A player: YouTube
The assembler and YouTube are slated to launch later this year as the cameras become available. Learn more at g.co/jump.
“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,” said Tony Bates, president of GoPro. “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.”
Those interested in participating in the LAP can sign up now through the end of the year at GoPro.com/Odyssey. 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, fully loaded with custom firmware
- 16 array bacpacs with syncing cables
- Custom-built ultra-rugged Pelican case
- Microphone
- Warranty
- Support
YouTube will be adding support for VR video playback soon. In the mean time, you can get a glimpse of the possibilities of Odyssey and Jump by watching this 360-degree video featuring the best of New York City here:
To view on desktop: https://youtu.be/AR9_SZtJ_KU.
Make sure to view in Chrome. To navigate, use click and drag or the ASWD keys.
To view on mobile: https://youtu.be/AR9_SZtJ_KU.
Open using the YouTube app, and navigate using click and drag or by moving your mobile device.
To view the demo reel in stereoscopic 3D using Cardboard, stop by GoPro’s booth at IBC, September 11-15.
For more information on GoPro professional solutions, visit http://gopro.com/spherical or GoPro and its HERO line of cameras and accessories, visit GoPro.com.