Focal Point VR Reels In 3D Graphics Expert

21^st September 2016.

Focal Point VR, a pioneer in the field of live 360° Virtual Reality video, today announced the appointment of Tom Gambill as Director of Research, further strengthening the team’s graphics expertise.

Gambill is an expert in modern 3D graphics systems and has developed rendering technology for prominent computer game companies like Electronic Arts. Most recently he co-developed a high-end naval training simulation for Havok and Microsoft.

“Tom brings exactly the mix of research experience and deep knowledge of state-of-the-art GPU technology that we need to tackle the challenges of live VR video,” said Jonathan Newth, CEO of Focal Point VR.

Gambill said of his new position “As Director of Research, I look forward to building a team to address the challenges of delivering the highest possible quality VR video to the full spectrum of VR headsets. As VR hardware rapidly advances, traditional approaches to delivering VR video, especially live, will quickly be insufficient. I’m really excited to bring my years of experience developing and optimising algorithms for modern GPUs to this new field.”

Focal Point VR’s technology enables an audience to ‘see’ and interact with each other (via avatars) within an interactive, 360° live-streaming video experience – bringing participants together via a shared presence in the same live event and enhancing the immersiveness of VR.

Focal Point VR’s platform features proprietary region of interest optimisation technology that supports high resolution VR video (up to an effective 6k) whilst reducing data sizes by a factor of 3X to 5X, reducing data costs and increasing the addressable market.

In addition to a live streaming platform, Focal Point VR shoots and processes 360° video for playback on VR headsets or browsers. It also develops VR apps for a range of headsets and devices.