Virtual reality and 360-degree videos, both are the current prominent aspects that take your brand to the next level in this digital era. In contrast to the traditional video content, these two technologies have helped the marketers to stand out on the competitive edge. Strategizing your marketing plan and it’s accurate execution have become significant nowadays. They can create the story most excitingly. With their mainstream nature, you can be the champions in tomorrow’s markets. Although both the technologies seem to be the same; they considerably differ from each other. Few significant factors are listed below that would help you to understand the difference between virtual reality and 360-degree videos.
Perspective– The VR headset can route the motion, gestures, and whereabouts of the users. There is total control over the viewers. Walking and conversing is possible in virtual reality. All you feel is stimulation through VR technology that takes you into the virtual world. However, when you watch a 360-degree video on a screen with a VR headset, technically speaking it is not a virtual reality experience. The 360-degree camera is physically stationed at a specific location and what people see is the footage captured by that camera. A filmmaker does all the settings, and you as an audience can see only that is set by him.
Ambiance– 360-degree is purely a video or photographic content that helps you to see the captured footage from all the possible angles and areas. The exciting thing is you can view minute details of the footage from anywhere you want. On the other hand, virtual reality is even more interesting. It has a lot to do with the surrounding in which the viewer is present. After wearing a VR headset, the viewer is pushed into a virtual environment though he physically remains in the existing surrounding. Computer generated senses such as vibration, movements; jerks let you experience a virtual surrounding.
Continuance– The way a scene progresses in both the technology is entirely different. VR immerses viewers into the situation which is presented to them and allows them to see whatever they want in the way of their own choices. VR story never follows a pre-decided timeline. It empowers the audience to create their individual experience through the technology. On the contrary, 360-degree videos proceed from one scene to another. It is up to the filmmakers what they want to show it to the viewers.
Usage– If you are planning for a large-scale presentation of your product or service that the audience are expected to remember forever, VR execution is the best option. Though the setup systems of VR are quite complex, the festivals or conferences are the best occasions to opt for virtual reality. Audience engagement and sustainability is increased by VR solutions as it becomes one of the most influential advertising and promotional tool. Whereas, when it comes to 360-degree videos, the appearance is quite straightforward. As opposed to VR, the fully interactive experience is not possible with this technology. Still, you can make full use of this technology product launch, reviews, and demonstrations where you are supposed to get the thorough information. It is easily accessible to the viewers as they can be played across multiple devices quickly. There are no specialized equipment or accessories are required.
Portability- VR technology is fundamentally inspired by video gaming experiences. Hence, you are free to do whatever you want in the environment of your choice. The structure of the ambience is strategically designed to allow the viewer to experience everything virtually. 360-degree videos are comparatively static as you are at the mercy of the filmmakers. You cannot interfere or customize the videos which are already generated. Versatility in context to the viewership and overall visual experience is limited in 360-degree videos as opposed to the VR.
Timeline– This aspect is quite remarkable. 360-degree video allows the movie maker to regulate the plot of the story and the Schedule. 360-degree videos are immersive whereas the virtual reality is interactive. So, the timeline remains in the hands of the audience. The choice or selection of what is to be seen can be done more freely in VR as opposed to the 360-degree videos.
To summarize the discussion, 360-degree cinema and virtual reality videos both are totally different. But none of them is superior to another. Both the technologies have the potential to generate exciting, innovative and fresh visual content to be used across the world markets. It is up to the user, which one fits the best to the needs.