The closer we get to the release for Samsung’s 2013 flagship device, the Galaxy S IV, the more we learn about it in what appear to be well placed leaks. The latest tidbit of news reveals that the upcoming handset will feature a 360 degree panorama function called “Samsung Orb”, Android Geeks have learned
Now before you start in on saying things like how this is a knockoff of Photo Sphere rebranded by Samsung, because when it comes right down to it that’s what orb is, you need to keep in mind that while Photo Sphere is an option in Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on Nexus devices, It’s using the stock camera application. Samsung has their own software, TouchWiz, along with their own camera app so it would make sense that they would incorporate the feature and from a marketing standpoint, tweak it a little.
A software engineer working on the product has confirmed the feature to the guys over at Android Geeks, and he said that while the Orb will be like Photo Sphere it will have it’s differences. Just like the stock app on the Nexus, the Samsung software will guide the user through the process of taking the photo, however their version will give you “an almost three-dimensional viewing experience.” He also added that the Orb will be “even better than Photo Sphere, courtesy of the S IV′s amazing camera.” If you have ever taken a Photo Sphere the process is as simple of lining up the lense towards a blue dot on the display, so it’s safe to guess that Samsung’s will be just as easy.
The manufacturer is also in talks with Facebook with the goal of enabling these photos to be posted on the popular social network. Currently the Nexus taken Photo Spheres can only be posted on Google services Plus and Maps and even then there are limitations on how they can be viewed.
Lastly this feature will take place on a 13 megapixel camera that Samsung has been rumored to be including in the Galaxy S IV. That lense combined with the Exynos 5 Octa processor with octo-core processor and tri-core PowerVR SGX544MP3 GPU, will allow for speedy processing of the pictures.
Aside from trying out the Photo Sphere function on your Nexus device, is anyone out there using the option on the reg? I’ve taken a total of two and both are from the same spot near my house. Let us know your experience in the comments.