Google’s Interactive 360-Degree ‘Spotlight Stories’ Now On YouTube

In time for Christmas, a new Spotlight Story is available to view on the Android YouTube app: Special Delivery, an original short film from Aardman Animations. It is the latest of a number of similar Spotlight stories coming out from Google ATAP (the Advanced Technology and Projects group). Made by the creators of Wallace and Gromit, you can explore the interactive scene on your Android device (and a less exciting version on iOS or the web). Originally intended for Motorola devices like the Moto X, the technology wasn’t immediately compatible with all Android devices.

360-degree filmmaking may seem like a gimmick, but the Google Spotlight Series shows the versatility of VR as a storytelling technique.

Spotlight Stories happen to be a completely different kind of viewing experience as they tap into the phone’s sensors to allow the story to become interactive.

As Google explains today, you can follow the action in “Special Delivery” from any angle you choose and, as you move your phone around, you’ll unlock other mini-stories within the movie. The producers have woven in 10 subplots, three potential endings and over 60 decision moments for viewers to create an individual story experience.

Google has published its newest Spotlight Story, called Special Delivery, directly to YouTube. The videos are their best when viewed with Google Cardboard so that you can completely immerse yourself within the worlds created in the videos.