You can now watch 360-degree videos on YouTube

Virtual reality is ready to explode in popularity. Every manufacturer under the sun has a VR headset these days, including Samsung, HTC, and even Google. If anything is holding virtual reality back it’s the lack of content. In January Google promised 360-degree videos would be coming to YouTube. Today the feature finally went live, and there are some cool videos to show it off.

The playlist below has 6 videos that can be viewed in 360-degrees. If you view them in a browser you’ll see a d-pad in the upper left corner to control your view, but the real magic happens when you watch on your Android device. Load up one of the videos in the YouTube app and just move your device to look around the scene. It’s really cool. The experience gets even better if you have a Samsung Gear VR or Google Cardboard lying around.

[via YouTube]

Mobile Roar 84: HTC Uh Oh, 360-degree videos, and Six Appeal

Uh oh! HTC launches a new service in April that will allow users of the HTC One M9 to get a free replacement if they break their phone. T-Mobile launches a really cheesy Facebook app for bashing your carrier. Not to be outdone by Apple, Google releases an overpriced laptop. Kevin rants about calling gadgets “sexy.” All of that and more in this episode. Thanks for watching!

Big News

• HTC Uh Oh, April 10th release date

Quick Hits

• T-Mobile #DitchandSwitch


• Chromebook Pixel (2015)


• Apple trade-in program


• YouTube can play 360-degree videos


• Lenovo is making a Windows Phone


• Blackberry announced a tablet because why not

Wins/Fails

• Kevin: Facebook adding money transfer to Messenger / Six Appeal


• Joe: Verizon logo easily rubs off Nexus 6 / Google clamping down Play Store approval process


• Chris: Nintendo mobile games flipflop / HTC One M9 overheating issues aren’t a real issue

App Picks

• Kevin: Meerkat


• Joe: Thuuz


• Chris: HTC Dot View app updated with games

Follow Us

• Joe Fedewa (@tallshmo)


• Chris Chavez (@gamercore)


• Kevin Krause (@youdontknowkev)


• @mobileroarcast

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Moto 360 (2015) alleged render shows full 360-degree display, new watch strap [LEAK]

It was 3 weeks ago we got a sneak peek at what could have been a Moto 360 successor courtesy of a Lenovo exec showing off prototypes on the Chinese blogging site, Weibo. More recently, details of the device of what could be the Moto 360 (2nd Gen) — codename Smelt — were uncovered by us, with the device boasting a 360×360 display.

Today, new alleged image of the watch is making the rounds and once again, comes to us from the Weibo. Now, it’s unclear where this person obtained the image, or even if its legit, but it does show a render of a watch that looks extremely similar to what the Lenovo exec was showing off the other day.

The image shows a very similar disc/hockey puck-like design, with new watch straps that feature metal attachable arms. It’s interesting because the previously leaked photos of the prototype device also had arms, but they were attached the smartwatch’s metal frame. These are more like inserts.

Also worth pointing out is the physical button is smack dab in the center, like last year’s model and not off towards the top as in the previous leak. You’ll also notice the the “flat tire” bezel, which housed the watch’s display drivers, is also not present in this render, which we admit looks great.

As is the case with most “leaks,” take this with a huge grain of salt. It’s been a little over a year since the original Moto 360 was officially announced, so we bet we’ll be seeing more of this Moto 360 followup in the weeks leading up to Google I/O 2015.

[Weibo]

Watch this cool Avengers fight in 360-degree goodness on YouTube for Android [VIDEO]

While the earliest videos released for YouTube for Android’s new 360-degree viewing experience were cool, we’ve been waiting for a chance to be thrown into the universe of our favorite fictional stories, like the ones which Marvel writes. Thankfully Samsung and Marvel have done just that in order to promote their new Avengers movie.

If you head to this YouTube video on your Android phone or within Google Chrome for Android (it’s also embedded above), you’ll be able to watch the Battle for the Avengers Tower scene in full 360-degree motion. This means you’ll be able to move your phone around and view different parts of the scene, whether that’s behind you, to the left of you, above you or whichever direction of the action you’re hoping to check out.

Just try not to get too freaked out when you find yourself waking up with Ironman standing right next to you. Oh, and those should be an especially cool experience for those with virtual reality headsets such as the Samsung Gear VR, so be sure to try watching it with that if you have it!