Alcatel, Australia’s third largest smartphone seller, has reinforced its commitment to VR and 360° photography and is launching VISION, a wireless all-in-one virtual reality device, two Alcatel 360 Cameras, and partnerships with four of the world’s most innovative 360° camera makers.
VISION is the world’s first all-in-one mobile readily, affordable entertainment virtual reality device. Alcatel partnered with Jaunt VR, Magic Interactive Entertainment, and Fraunhofer to provide pre-loaded content and hardware to enable users to immediately benefit from its enhanced capability and get a better experience.
The Alcatel 360 Camera, is available in two models, both with a dual 210° fisheye lens: a rectangular model, about half the size of a credit card, and a ball-shaped one, about the size of a coin. The compact, lightweight, plug and play Alcatel 360 allows users to capture and then preview and share instantly on smartphones.
The four new partnerships are with 360° camera makers 360fly, ALLie Camera, Arashi Vision (Insta 360 4K) and Primesom (Nico360). These makers provide more interesting and diverse features for consumers, such as shockproof outdoor, always-on indoor and even enterprise-grade.
{loadposition ray}Alcatel was the first mobile phone brand to package a smartphone — the IDOL 4S — with VR goggles.
Nicolas Zibell, general manager of international business and president of TCL Communication (Alcatel's parent company), said, “VR is the next big computing platform and will reshape the way we experience the world. Our new mobile VR device and 360° cameras are for those who believe that technology can change the world — and they want to be part of that change. “
VISION is an all-in-one wireless (not tethered to a smartphone or computer) mobile device that allows users to enjoy a 120° IMAX-format movie experience in their home.
It has the 17ms latency — the lowest currently available — crucial to maintaining the illusion of being in a virtual world (and to keeping dizziness at bay). It also adjusts for myopia, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. With its streamlined, ergonomic design, it comfortable to wear.
The Alcatel 360 camera has two models. The rectangular one is more compact, offering a thinner form factor, and the ball-shaped design maximises 360° shooting and imitates filmmaking design language.
Equipped with dual 210° fisheye lenses, the cameras can be simply plugged into the micro USB port of any IDOL 4, IDOL 4S or POP 4S phone. Budding filmmakers can then create VR videos or 360° photos in just a few simple steps. Group selfies are also easy to take with the super wide-angle lens.
By partnering with 360fly, ALLie Camera, Arashi Vision and Primesom, all makers of 360° cameras that can be used with a smartphone, Alcatel is further embracing the 360° camera industry.
With these partnerships, Alcatel wants to ensure that it will be easy for consumers to create, share and enjoy VR content. Alcatel and its partners will co-operate on joint communications, marketing, and promotional activities.
“We are excited to partner with a leading and innovative mobile industry brand like Alcatel. They are taking a huge step ahead of the market by integrating 360° and VR content into their devices," said Dmitry Kozko, president of ALLie Camera. “We look forward to working with them to bring the best possible 360° and VR experiences to consumers across the globe and are honoured to be the only partner to deliver users a true 360° experience with live streaming and 24/7 viewing and recording so they never miss a thing.”
“As we continue to uphold our position as the definitive innovator and leader in the 360 camera space; 360fly is excited about the prospects of collectively growing this vertical through this strategic association with Alcatel,” said Peter Adderton, chief executive of 360fly. “There is incredible upside potential in this sector, and we are optimistic that we will accomplish great things through our collective efforts.”
Jingkang Liu, chief executive of Arashi Vision, maker of Insta360 cameras, commented: “We believe we’re entering a new era where people want to share and relive immersive experiences. We produce 360° VR technology to make it easy for people to do that. And in partnering with Alcatel, we think it is huge step to make that goal more accessible.”
With VISION, Alcatel 360 and its technology partnerships, Alcatel is staying true to its vision of making the latest technology accessible to a wide range of consumers. “With dedicated research and design resources, Alcatel has made a long-term commitment to VR,” said Zibell. “We’re excited to be a world leader in the field.”
