LG 360 CAM can upload directly to Google Street View

By JC Torres/March 3, 2016 9:30 pm EST

Google Street View might just get a bit more crowded. Which is probably a good thing considering how much the hype around it has more or less died over the past year or so. The emergence of 360-degree cameras could very mark a new phase in Street View's life, particularly with user-uploaded content. LG, however, has gotten an edge over those, having its newly unveiled 360 CAM certified by Google itself. This practically means that users will be able to upload Street View-like images directly, no pre-processing or editing required.

Before the advent of such cameras, users who don't have access to specialized equipment would have to painstakingly use their camera's sphere or panorama modes to create captivating 360 degree shots. Then they'd have to process those into the format that Google Street View requires. Despite those difficulties, Street View was still filled with users sharing their images in places where Google's team haven't yet reached. Imagine, then, if it was easy peasy to create such photos.

That is the advantage that the LG 360 CAM is offering. It is the first camera coming from a smartphone OEM that has been certified for Street View and supports the Open Spherical Camera API. With that, it will be a snap, almost literally, for users to setup the camera at as sweet spot, take the photo, and immediately share it on Google Street View.

The 360 CAM's sensors, which together can make up a 16 megapixel image, promises high quality images. The built in 1,200 mAh battery makes it truly portable so that you can take it anywhere with you and share your 360-degree experience all the time. You'll only be limited by the amount of storage left on the microSD card, which can support up to 2 TB, if you can find one. Of course, the LG 360 CAM isn't just for still photos. The microphones, which support 5.1 channel surround audio recording, will be a great asset in filming 360-degree videos as well.

Availability details for the LG 360 CAM still remain undisclosed.

SOURCE: LG