CBS News is releasing new apps for Android and Amazon Fire TV that will include 360 degree videos, according to a company press release. The apps will also prominently feature the network’s 24/7 digital news channel, CBSN.
At launch, there will be 360 degree video from 60 Minutes showing a trip to find gorillas in Africa. The potential for VR is tremendous, and as the technology improves, we will find ourselves “inside the story” as virtual participants, not just passive viewers.
For those watching the apps on TV, the remote control will allow users control over the panoramic video.
CBSN is now just over two years old. CBS claims the digital channel is seeing growth:
CBSN set a new quarterly viewership record in the third quarter of 2016 with more than 60 million streams, and a new monthly viewership record in October with 27.2 million streams. Five of CBSN’s top-10 days occurred during September and October. CBSN has consistently attracted viewers in key younger demos and the average age of CBSN viewers is 38.
People who have iOS already have access to the 360 degree video. CBSN is available at its website, the previously mentioned apps, Roku, Apple TV, Playstation 3 & 4, Xbox One and 360, and select connected TVs.