Nokia is developing a sophisticated virtual reality (VR) platform to make high standard videos the norm through firmware and software updates. 

How often do you watch 360-degree videos? Currently, the new medium has very few adopters due to its juddery and slow reputation. However, Nokia are working on creating a better VR experience for all and partnering with some big names.

Until recently, virtual reality filming required a fleet of cameras and a DIY 3D printed camera rig. However, Nokia now offers a broadcast or professional standard VR camera.

The company’s OZO camera is a sleek option which is supposedly very simple to use. As well as this, the company are now developing a platform which they hope will enable seamless live VR as well as an easier editing process.

The updated technology doesn’t come cheap and the new OZO+ virtual reality camera costs an eye-watering $40,000. It has received both software and hardware upgrades which produce higher quality images with clearer colors. Nokia is also upgrading its Creator and Live product — the software for the OZO camera.

As well as tweaking its OZO suite, the company are partnering with a range of technology companies including; Harmonic, Akamai and AWS Elemental.

Nokia’s VR Platform Tweaks

Nokia is also releasing new products including OZO Deliver, Player SDK and Audio. Their aim is to offer high quality VR which can be used by production teams and filmmakers.

To further develop the tech, the company are making use of “adaptive resolution”. To do this, the OZO platform works by delivering the full resolution footage precisely where you’re looking. The rest of the VR is low resolution until you look at it.

This means double the resolution of a VR broadcast without the huge amount of data. This way, the company believes it can provide a higher quality for VR content.

As well as this, Nokia is paying willing creators $15,000 for their feedback and VR content. Although the technology is still in its early days, it could be a matter of time before we’re all wandering around with headsets on. Time, and the amount of partners that the company manages to attract, will tell.

Want to find out more? Head to the Nokia’s OZO website where you can see the new pricing scheme which the company hopes will make the tech more attractive.

Source: Wareable