Ricoh is launching a cloud-based virtual tour authoring platform for the Theta called Theta360.biz.
To create a virtual tour, you don’t need to download software. You only need a Ricoh Theta (note: Theta360.biz is not compatible with other 360 cameras). The virtual tour will allow you not only to link photos together, but also show the viewer’s location and orientation on a map:
The virtual tour can then be embedded on your own page, where the tour can be viewed on most browsers, whether on PC or Mac, without having to download a special viewer program.
Although the virtual tour has a sophisticated interface, creating the virtual tour is simple. There is a tutorial on the Theta360.biz website.
Theta owners can try the Theta360.biz platform for free during the public beta. The price after the public beta has not yet been determined. UPDATE: Theta360.biz is available in Japan and North America only at this time. Thanks to Jesse Casman for bringing this to my attention!
Hi Mic, It says that it’s still only available in Japan. Have you managed to sign up, and if so, how?
Hi I checked and you’re right. Right now it seems to be limited to users in Japan only for now. But they said they want to expand it internationally at some point.
Ok. Thanks for checking.
I see the information on the support page that still clearly states “Please note that THETA 360.biz is only available to users located in Japan as of now.” However, I’m one of the organizers of the RICOH THETA Unofficial Guide, we were forwarded info for the invite-only access, and that is focused on North American users. I signed up for the site, have not gotten an immediate answer, so I do not have any information beyond that. Here’s all the info we’ve posted, including some testing we did last year what it was all still in Japanese: http://lists.theta360.guide/t/ricohs-360-image-business-cloud-opens-as-a-pilot-service-in-north-america/1344
Just noticed that the site has been updated. The main page has a big orange button that says “Request to join. Free pilot service is available in North America only.” If you click on it, the registration page has been significantly expanded, too.
Thank you very much Jesse! I will update the article with that info!
+1