Google introduces the Yi Halo VR camera that can capture 8K 3D 360 degree videos at 30 fps

Google has tied up with GoPro rival Yi to introduce the Yi Halo VR camera. The Yi Halo is the second camera based on  Jump, a VR technology product from Google for professional productions. The Yi Halo is the second Jump camera from Google, after the GoPro Odyssey, to be aimed at high quality VR content creators. Yi has a much smaller and portable Yi VR 360 for live 360 broadcasts, as well as drone, dash and action cameras.  The Yi Halo has 16 2.5K cameras arranged in a ring, with a seventeenth unit facing upward. Two backup camera units are included in the box. After processing the video information from all the cameras together, you get an 8K video at 30 fps. The resulting video supports VR glasses, and uses the Jump assembler to create a seamless panorama. The exported data includes depth information that can be imported into visual effects and video editing software. The camera has been built to work natively with the Jump assembler. Here is a video of what the camera can do, which is better viewed with VR headsets.

Derin Turner, Production Director at VR Playhouse says “This camera and Jump ranks as one of the best and easiest pieces of equipment and platform to use on the market.” Jay Spangler, Executive VR Producer for Two Bit Circus says “The camera combined with the stitching algorithm is the best 360 video solution in the industry.” [caption id=“attachment_373258” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  There is an integrated control unit apart from the Android app.[/caption] The camera weighs just under 3.6 kg, and is pretty portable. An internal battery provides 100 minutes of continuous shooting. An AC charger can power the device and charge the batteries at the same time, and the rig supports V mount external batteries. An accompanying Android application allows for live monitoring and works as a command and control console. The recommended phones for the app are the Google Pixel phones, and the app only supports Android versions 5.0 and up. The computation power is provided by 18 Ambarella A9SE75 chipsets. There is an integrated omni-directional microphone on board. There is a passive and fanless cooling system on board. The camera is not resistant to dust and water, so cannot be used in these environments.  The camera is going on sale some time this summer, but a 100 selected creators will be able to get their hands on the rig, for free. Google also announced the start of the Jump Start program, which puts this exciting new rig in the hands of promising content creators, giving them access to the Halo camera before anyone else. During the Jump Start program, the creators will also have free access to the Jump assembler. Those interested can apply for the Jump Start program up to 22 May.