Mar 10, 2017

Facebook's VR app has arrived

Facebook announced Wednesday the launch of its long-awaited virtual reality app, Facebook 360. This is the first time users can view 360-degree videos and photos posted on Facebook through a VR headset. For now, the content can only be viewed using Samsung Gear VR headsets, and the app will have four feeds:

  • Explore: Users can discover popular 360-degree content on Facebook from publishers, advertisers and individuals
  • Following: Users can view 360-degree content on Facebook from friends
  • Saved: Users can access saved 360-degree content from their newsfeeds
  • Timeline: Users can upload and post 360-degree content to theirs or friends timelines

Big distinction: 360-degree content (photo or video) is not the same as virtual reality content — the name has just stuck. Technically speaking, virtual reality content allows one to manipulate their environment, like a video game. 360-degree content, which is what is available in this app, allows users to view a photo or video from every angle.

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Netanyahu says July 1 deadline for West Bank annexation won't change

Photo: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday at a Likud Party faction meeting at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, that his July 1 deadline for starting the process of annexation in the West Bank will not change, according to people in attendance.

Why it matters: The White House and the State Department have stressed over the last few weeks that the deadline set by Netanyahu is "not sacred" to the Trump administration — and that any discussion of annexation needs to be in the context of renewed Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow1 hour ago - World

Trump threatens to move Republican convention from North Carolina if capacity reduced

President Trump on stage during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Ohio. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images

President Trump threatened in a series of Monday tweets to move this summer's Republican National Convention from Charlotte if North Carolina's Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, doesn't allow the event to be held at full capacity.

The state of play: Mandy Cohen, the state's health and human services secretary, said last week that the GOP should "plan for the worst" as mass gatherings will be a "very big challenge" if the number of coronavirus cases in the state continues to increase, per NPR.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

The wreckage of summer

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

We usually think of Memorial Day as the start of the summer, with all of the fun and relaxation that goes with it — but this one is just going to remind us of all of the plans that have been ruined by the coronavirus.

Why it matters: If you thought it was stressful to be locked down during the spring, just wait until everyone realizes that all the traditional summer activities we've been looking forward to are largely off-limits this year.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow4 hours ago - Economy & Business