In a push for more virtual reality (VR) content, Facebook will soon allow users to view panoramic pictures in VR.
The world's largest social network says in the coming weeks, it will add 360-degree photos to news feed. It added 360o videos late last year.
"You'll be able to take a panoramic photo from your phone or use a 360o camera, upload it to Facebook, and pan around by tilting your phone or dragging the image," explains the company. This type of viewing will not require a VR headset.
The Samsung Gear VR, powered by Oculus - which is owned by Facebook - was launched worldwide just under six months ago. Facebook says there are now more than 250 apps available for the headset.
To view the photos in VR, users will have to download the Oculus 360 photos app.
On Samsung phones, when viewing a 360o photo, there will be a button in the top left corner that says "View in VR". Users can tap on it and insert their phone into a Gear VR, where they will see the 360o photo in VR.
"Imagine standing in the middle of a colourful parade at the Rio Carnival, or letting family from far away feel like they're part of that special birthday gathering," the company notes in a blog post.
Facebook says VR video is the most popular experience on Gear VR. Seven of the top 10 most used apps are videos.
Last week, Felix & Paul Studios debuted 'Nomads' for Oculus on Gear VR - a 360o 3D VR series that follows the lives of several nomadic peoples. These include yak herders from the Mongolian steppes, Maasai warriors in Kenya, and the coastal Bajau people of Borneo, in the first three episodes of this 'made-for-VR' series.
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