Periscope meets virtual reality.
Livit is a relatively new Los Angeles-based startup that is the first ever mobile live streaming platform for virtual reality. The startup joined hands with 360-degree video company 360fly, whose 360fly camera is small, portable and connects to the phone via Bluetooth.
For those familiar with Periscope, Livit operates in a similar way—users can choose a location around the globe to watch live video, or formerly recorded video. Then, they have the option to post their own stream, not necessarily with a 360-degree camera.
Get The Latest Sports Tech News In Your Inbox!
So far, the coolest videos have come from the Livit account, as the user base is not extremely widespread at the moment. Two of the most popular are of a snowboarder bombing down a slope and the view from the cockpit of an F-18 fighter jet.
Livit is not an end all for the world of virtual reality streaming, but it is a first step towards something much greater. As of now, Livit may be an idea ahead of its time but as VR tech is still developing it’s certainly poised to grow with the industry.
Livit represents a good start for virtual reality content being readily available to consumers via streaming on their mobile devices. A number of professional sports teams have begun using Periscope to film practices or pre-game warm ups so it not difficult to imagine this type of content transferring over to mobile, real-time streaming VR content.
Last May, HBO and Showtime struggled with Periscope users filming the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao boxing match. While this was illegal, Livit could tap into this kind of market—providing an easy platform for virtual reality to operate on and for users to get the feel of a stadium or arena.
Livit is available now in the Apple App Store or Google Play.