Nokia held a VIP event for the press today at the Hudson Loft in LA, and the focus of that event was Ozo, a virtual reality camera. The soccer ball-shaped device is aimed at content creators and Hollywood, allowing them to, as Nokia puts it, "create amazing experiences for people around the world."
Nokia"s first foray into the virtual reality scene, features 8 shutter sensors paired with 8 microphones to record video and audio inputs in 360 degrees. These are placed around a ball-like shell, and attached to a handle featuring the Nokia logo for the cameraman to hold. Pricing and full specifications have not yet been revealed but the camera is expected to retail for as much as five figures, putting it squarely out of the reach of everyday consumers.
One of the biggest benefits of the Ozo is its ability to show the captured data in real time, as it is being recorded. It can also produce a low-quality sample within minutes of the capture, as opposed to the tedious processing required previously. After having seen a the low-resolution version of the video and deeming it appropriate, the director/creator can then send it in for the usual post-processing for a higher quality version.
A proper launch is expected around Q4 and this is when the company will release the pricing and further specifications of the device.
Source: Nokia