Insta360, the immersive camera company behind the Air, Nano, One and Pro, has announced that the Insta360 Pro camera has now been approved by Google as part of the ‘Street View ready’ program.
This means that anybody who wants to contribute 360-degree content to Google’s map service no longer need the cumbersome Trekker backpack, instead they can use the far more diminutive offering from Insta360. And because of the partnership between the two companies Google will also use 50 Insta360 Pros to extend the range of collection capabilities under its Street View camera loan program.
Featuring six 200° lenses, the Insta360 Pro captures photos and video in 8K with built in real-time stitching technology to capture finished 360 degree videos that don’t require any post-processing. As it is Insta360 most high-end camera all this tech doesn’t come cheap, retailing for $3,499 USD.
Users will be able to access the cameras features with the Street View app, then upload any photos or videos shot directly to Street View using the free Insta360 Stitcher software. In further support for the ‘Street View ready’ program, Insta360 Pro will now include a new 5 FPS 8K shooting mode – optimized for efficient Street View content collection – and support an optionally-bundled USB accessory to automatically append GPS data to 360 content.
“When Google Street View kicked off in 2007, high-quality 360 photography was only available to those with the resources and know-how to build their own cameras,” said Charles Armstrong, Google Street View product manager in a statement. “Now, thanks to the advances of companies like Insta360, anyone can create immersive 360-degree experiences and contribute them to Street View’s extensive map of the world.”
As further cameras are added to the Street View program VRFocus will let you know.
via Mint VR