Kogeto Lens Enable iPhone 4 to Shoot 360-Degree Videos

New York-based technology firm Kogeto has developed a lens that can be used on an iPhone 4 to shoot 360-degree panoramic videos.

The lens called Dot, which is attachable to the Apple smartphone, captures the video and then an app called Looker, also developed by Kogeto, process it into a 360-degree footage. When played back on the iPhone 4, the panoramic video can be turned just by moving your fingers on the touchscreen.

The video can also be uploaded to Facebook, Twitter or the Kogeto website (www.kogeto.com), where any of its sides can be viewed just by dragging the mouse or trackpad sideways. The sample videos show how driving and touring around New York looks like at a 360-degree view.

Prototype shots of the Dot can be viewed at the Kogeto website.

The Kogeto website described the Dot as a compact and durable iCONIC lens that works with the iPhone 4's HD video camera to capture full 360° video - all at once - without stitching frames together.

"Our unique catadioptric optical system is fully anti-reflective-coated for excellent color fidelity in all environments. Dot is a lightweight attachment that doesn't require batteries or external power," said the site.

Kogeto will soon roll out the Dot in stores and online, revealed Kogeto Chief Executive Jeff Glasse, according to the Los Angeles Times. It will retail for $79 each. The Looker app, however, is downloadable from the Kogeto website for free.

Glasse visited the Los Angeles Times recently to demo the Dot. The demo can be watched here: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/09/kogeto-dot-iphone-4-camera-lens-attachment.html.

Kogeto raised more than $120,000 to develop the commercial version of the Dot prototype.