Hubblo VR
| 400px | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Hubblo Technology |
| Requires | Smartphone and Power Source; Tripod or Monopod (optional) |
| Resolution | 2K and 4K Resolution |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 200 degrees per lens |
| Optics | |
| Optics | 3 pairs of fisheye lenses |
| Audio | Microphone (built-in stereo and wireless Bluetooth) |
| Connectivity | SDI, Ethernet, HDMI, Micro-USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11n/ac) |
| Power | 4000Ah battery (removable), 12V DC adapter |
| Sensors | 6 Sensors (3.15MP) |
| Size | 4.05 x 4.05 x 4.88 inches |
At CES 2017, Hubblo launched the first virtual reality portable camera that can deliver 3D immersive, 360-degree videos at 4k resolution. The captured high-resolution video can be broadcasted live on various virtual reality gadgets.
The new revolutionary virtual reality camera is developed by Hubblo Technology. The company was founded by Eric Tsang. Hubblo Technology has offices in Silicon Valley, USA, and in China. According to the Hubble founder, the Hubblo VR camera is way ahead of its time.
With the help of Hubblo VR camera, event hosts, performers, and artists can expand their live audience beyond the physical space. And, it can be done with just a press of a button. The live feature allows both the broadcasters and viewers to communicate and share the virtual experience at the same time.
Hardware[edit]
The strange mike like gadget is the triangle shaped camera. To offer 360-degree view the camera has three pairs of fisheye lenses, each covering the 200-degree view. The captured images are of the highest quality, thanks to the sensors near the individual lenses.
The Hubblo VR camera is highly portable. It’s compact and lightweight. The broadcaster can either mount the camera on a tripod or hold it in the hand. The Hubblo VR camera is no bigger than an iPhone, but it has all the features to capture high-definition video. The gadget doesn’t need supplementary software to perform its function. The camera has a limited battery life; a full charge would last just an hour.
Features[edit]
360-degree Panoramic View and Immersive 3D Experience[edit]
The unique triangular design of the Hubblo VR camera and its three pairs of fisheye lenses with 200-degree view masterfully captures the 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding. The sensors placed near each lens are designed to capture and deliver images of the highest quality. The Stereoscopic 3D function creates the depth in the captured images and gives the users unbelievable level of immersive experience.
Real-time Image Stitching and 4K Quality Videos[edit]
All the lenses in Hubblo VR work in unison. The images captured by each lens is right away (in real time) collected, processed, and combined to form a video with stereoscopic 3D experience and breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding. The video is then stored and shared in 4k ultra-high-definition resolution. Users can use any virtual reality headset with a Hubblo mobile app to play the 3D, 360-degree, 4k resolution quality video.
The real-time image stitching is a revolution because it saves money and time. Normally, processing a video manually would take hours, which is a time and money drain. With the real-time stitching technology, users only have to focus the camera and shoot the video. The real-time stitching technology made available to only professionals till now will be opened to mass use by Hubblo.
Ease of Use and Portability[edit]
The design is simple, highly portable, and minimalist. The Hubblo VR camera is no bigger than an average iPhone. It’s small and lightweight; can easily fit a pocket or pouch. The makers pride themselves on packing so much in such a small space. Such a feat has never been attempted before, they say.
For better stability and quality performance, users can mount this camera on top of a tripod. The gadget is in the shape of an equilateral triangle, with a pair of lenses at the extremities of each side of the triangle.
To use Hubblo VR camera users need the Hubblo app, which can be downloaded for both Android and Apple gadgets. A high-speed Wi-Fi internet connection is also necessary. No other hardware or software is needed to operate the VR camera.
The whole set up and play process would take less than 30 seconds. Connect the VR camera to the high-speed Wi-Fi internet connection and use the buttons on the top of the gadget to capture events happening around. Using the built-in Wi-Fi connection users can live-stream the video or save it in a micro-SD card. Google Daydream, HTC Vive, Samsung Gear, Oculus Rift or any other virtual reality headset can be used to view the live-streaming, 360-degree, 4K resolution video.
Battery[edit]
With a built-in 4000Ah battery, the camera is estimated to run for an hour, which isn’t much. To use Hubblo longer an external power bank of 10,000Ah can be used. The environment around the camera determines heat dissipation. If Hubblo is to be used in hot and humid surroundings, it’s best for the users to have some cooling material with them. Cooling fan, air vents at the top and bottom, and the aluminum alloy prevent the Hubblo VR camera from overheating.
Storage Capacity[edit]
Hubblo VR Camera has a built-in memory (internal memory) capacity of 32GB. The gadget also has a micro-SD card slot that can accommodate memory cards with capacity up to 128GB. Users who live-stream the content would be using cloud storage. This removes the restriction on how long the user can shoot with the VR camera. On the other hand, if the content is to be stored on the camera, the user can record for around 2 to 6 hours. The recorded video can also be stored on a smartphone.
Additional Accessories[edit]
A smartphone and a power source (power adaptor or power bank) are the only two things needed to use the Hubblo VR Camera. A tripod or monopod stand would be needed if the user decides against handheld video shooting. Use of external microphones is recommended to capture speech and ambisonics audio.
Specifications[edit]
- Dimensions (in inches): 4.05 x 4.05 x 4.88
- Weight: a little more than 1.8lbs
- Lenses: Three pairs of 200-degree fisheye lenses
- Aperture: F2.6
- Sensors: Six 3.15MP
- Storage: 32GB (Internal Memory), Smartphone, 128GB (Micro-SD)
- Connectivity: SDI, Ethernet, HDMI, Micro-USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11n/ac)
- Power Source: 4000Ah battery (removable), 12V DC adapter
- Audio: Microphone (built-in stereo and wireless Bluetooth)
- Material Used: Aluminum Alloy
Hubblo VR Camera Output[edit]
Photograph[edit]
- 2D 360-degree: 2:1 JPG (2160 x 1080)
- 3D 360-degree: 1:1 JPG (2160 x 2160); 16:9 JPG (3840 x 2160)
Live Streaming Video[edit]
- 2D 360-degree: 2:1 (2160 x 1080)
- 3D 360-degree (low bandwidth): 1:1 (2160 x 2160)
- 3D 360-degree (optimum): 16:9 (3840 x 2160)
- Bandwidth (optimum): 15 Mbps
- Protocol: RTMP/RTSP
- Codec: H.264 format
- Share: YouTube, WeChat, Messenger, WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook
Recorded Video[edit]
- 2D 360-degree: 2K, 30fps
- 3D 360-degree: 4K, 30fps
- 30 Mbps MP4 (Bitrate)
Cost and Availability[edit]
Hubblo VR Camera has been priced at $999. Those interested in the new VR camera can order it through the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform. The company plans to deliver the first batch of VR cameras to pre-ordered customers very soon. Those who back the VR camera by supporting their crowdfunding campaign will earn discounts and access to Hubblo sponsored virtual reality events.