Often when using a camera I think to myself, “Gee golly, it sure is disappointing that this camera can only look in one direction at a time!” Well lucky for us there is a totally awesome solution to this problem. The GoPano micro will be able to capture a 360º view using a special case and your iPhone 4.
The GoPano micro works by attaching a lens over the camera and reflecting the image into it. Plus, if the video on the website is accurate – the GoPano App will display an interactive recording of said video on the screen during capture.
The GoPano micro lens is being funded by a Kickstarter project. The original goal of which was to raise $20,000 to fabricate the lenses and cases. They reached that goal in only 6 days. According to the creator Michael Rondinelli, they are continuing to accept donations and are thrilled with the response. As of this writing they have nearly tripled their original goal, raising almost $58,000 with over a month still to go.
Aside from the GoPano micro EyeSee360º have been making optics for years. The group started at the Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute, making optics so robots could better observe their environment, however they determined their products could be useful to us non-synthetic life-forms too. They already produce a 360º standard size interchangeable lens called the GoPano Plus. This video allows for control of the frame, drag your mouse to rotate the view and press plus or minus to zoom in or out.
The GoPano micro will be a pretty amazing little tool for the iPhone 4. Imagine sitting at a wedding, a birthday, or on a roller coaster and taking video of everything around you simultaneously. The possibilities are epic.
If you donate $50 it buys you a case and lens (once they’re fabricated) and includes shipping. The lens will be $80 when released so it’s quite the deal. The Kickstarter project ends May 14, 2011. Check it out and if you want one, save yourself $30 and benefit the project!
