In a new partnership, Samsung has hooked up 50 Reuters photojournalists stationed across 25 countries with its Gear 360 virtual reality camera in a global initiative aimed at advancing 360-degree journalism. This partnership will enable Reuters journalists to provide 360-degree content for Focus 360 which is Reuters' new VR and 360-degree video and photography platform for global news. The Focus 360 portal will be launched on August 2 for Android and on August 5 for iOS.
Those who own a Samsung handset compatible with the Gear VR will be able to watch Focus 360 content on the virtual reality headset. Stephen Adler, Reuters Editor-in-Chief and President, said that “Our agreement with Samsung allows us to enhance our visual journalism and provide a more absorbing experience for our viewers,” adding that VR and 360-degree content will enable people to get a new perspective on the context of a news story. We have already reviewed the Samsung Gear 360 and have found it to be a very capable product that enables average users to create immersive virtual reality experiences. The camera's abilities will certainly shine in the hands of a professional photojournalist.
