The Fovii app is now available for Apple Vision Pro. It was founded by John Racine, who was NextVR’s VR Systems Specialist before the company’s acquisition by Apple in 2020.
Racine later supported Apple’s development of Apple Immersive Video, helping to advance its stereoscopic 180-degree format, which is now core to the content curated for his new platform, along with the on-demand and live-streamed experiences on Apple TV and other immersive video apps.
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As a U.S. ambassador for Blackmagic’s immersive camera technology working with a range of immersive filmmakers, and a creator himself, Racine saw the opportunity to create a destination to showcase both more immersive content being created and the talent behind it. He created the Fovii platform in collaboration with Krishna Jagadish of Chaarana Labs.
Fovii is home to more than primarily live action captured immersive story content. I appreciate the app’s additional sections that let visitors learn a little more about the studios and team members for each project, and also access additional content like behind-the-scenes videos and spatial photos. While this is nice exposure for the creators, peeling the curtain back on each production can also inspire users to think about what they may want to create themselves, especially as the technology needed to create incredible immersive videos becomes more accessible. And Apple Vision Pro owners need more quality immersive experiences.
The UI is simple and elements like rotating home screen feature spots, recently added and most-watched content signal the Fovii team’s intent to find ways to give new and great content exposure, as more is added. At the time of launch, there are a couple new and exclusive titles for Apple Vision Pro users to see which are both from Rogue Labs, where Racine is Creative & Technical Director. There are several projects available which have previously launched, such as The Longest Day which can also be experienced on both the Amplium and Theater apps.
The app is free to download with subscriptions priced at $9.99 USD monthly or $99.99 USD annually. Individual film rentals are also available. When comparing pricing to a popular video streaming platform, the amount and length of content that can be accessed make the price feel steep. Details of the business model and how creators are compensated were not provided but if the pricing helps support immersive studios, and more content is added, it does not feel as steep.
Fovii is currently targeting to release two new immersive videos a month and the team is actively looking to house new content on the app. Interested studios can reach out to them on Fovii.com.
