Facebook Virtual Reality App For 360 Degree Video In The Works

Sparking excitement, new reports suggest Facebook is bringing virtual reality to mobile phones through a standalone app.

According to Mashable, the app would provide viewers a 360 degree immersive experience when viewing videos. Called spherical videos, users can view them from different angles for varying perspectives by simply tilting the phone. The app is being planned for both Android and Apple's iOS platform.

The story of Facebook working on the app first appeared in The Washington Post which cited unnamed sources.

"Development of the app is in early stages and it is unclear when or if the app will launch," WSJ quoted sources. The Journal further reported that spherical videos will soon become part of Facebook news stories.

While providing a novel experience to mobile users, the app will be a far cry from capabilities that virtual reality headsets promise. Facebook-acquired Oculus VR is expected to ship a consumer version of its Rift headset in the first quarter next year. Analysts expect the first people to grab the headset are likely to be gamers with deep pockets.

Facebook has understood that virtual reality cannot be restricted to headsets given that more than two billion mobile phones are expected to be shipped next year.