YI is adding some hardware support for Google's VR180 platform with the Horizon VR180 camera. The dual-lens shooter captures stereoscopic video, so you can view it in a Daydream View or similar headset, and captures 5.7K video for 2D and 3D playback. Pricing and availability aren't yet set, but we do know a few things about the camera.

Design

The Horizon is a sleek device, finished in black with a candy bar form factor. Its front houses dual lenses, with enough separation for 3D capture, and you get a tilting 2.2-inch touch LCD on the rear. The only control to speak of is the record button, which is on the top.

There's a USB-C port for data transfer and charging, as well as an HDMI output, both under a door on the side. The other side houses the battery and memory card slots. There's no microphone input jack, but the Horizon does incorporate four internal microphones into its design.

Video is recorded at 5.7K quality at a fixed 30fps capture rate. It can be played back in 3D in a headset—VR180 supports Google Cardboard and Daydream, as well as Sony PlayStation VR. If you're viewing on a tablet, computer, or other traditional screen, you can view the footage in 2D.

VR 180

Google announced VR180 last year at its IO conference. The standard is designed to streamline content acquisition for delivery to VR headsets, using dual-lens 180-degree cameras with 3D support rather than 360-degree models. It allows content creators to frame and edit in video to maintain traditional storytelling methods, rather than dive into the world of 360-degree capture.

Because video is stitched in real time it's ready to edit right off the memory card, and it's also possible to stream directly to YouTube VR180.

First Impressions

Details are a bit scarce right now, but we'll update this story when we know more about the camera. It's one of a handful of models supporting the Google VR180 platform—Lenovo has a device as well—and only time will tell if the format takes off. If you want to jump into the pool early, the Horizon VR180 is a tool worth considering. But I recommend waiting for more details.