Dot, $79; GoPano micro, $79.95
Although both products offer a way for iPhone users to capture 360-degree panoramic video, Kogeto's Dot and EyeSee360's GoPano micro physcially have about as much in common as a Scion and a school bus. Clearly, while both products have similar intentions, their diametrically opposed designs reflect their differing respective philosophies.
The GoPano micro has an optic about two-thirds the size of the iPhone. It uses a protective two-part rubberized plastic case, which slides together on the phone. Although it's theoretically nice to have just a case sometimes, the added lens attachment is bulky and doesn't stay well-connected to it. Dot's version isn't a case, but rather a more minimalist all-in-one hard plastic unit that quickly snaps right on and stays on tight, whether shooting with it or slipping it into your pocket.
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One upshot (pun intended) is that GoPano micro's verticality allows for live viewing, whereas Dot is most effective when your phone's horizontal (and the screen's likely out of view). It comes down to the difference between enjoying the event of shooting and the event that you're at. As Kogeto's Founder and CEO, Jeff Glasse, told Discovery News, Dot allows you to "put down the camera and just enjoy the party."
In our testing, both were competent yet awkward -- GoPano for the lens popping off and Dot for having to finagle hitting the on-screen record button while horizontal. The GoPano had a taller field of view and captured a slightly better quality of video when we moved around. It tended to be in focus a little more and have less glare, a side effect of Dot's plastic shield.
Naturally, the neccesary GoPano and (Dot) Looker companion apps are free to download. If friends have Looker -- the 1.2 iOS version of which is scheduled for release this month -- they can view your 360-videos without having a Dot. And Glasse shared with us that an Android version is in the works, planned for a first quarter release.
Speaking of which, you can share GoPano videos and "dotspots" with their respective online communities. But -- once registered with Kogeto -- Looker makes it an easier process to share via email, Twitter and Facebook. That's just one small reflection of how Glasse, a video content evangelist, and his team are passionate about the process of empowering users to change the way we capture and consume video.
In the end, they're comparably priced and both offer cool functionality. EyeSee360 seems focused on the technical abilities and Kogeto seems focused on the user experience/ecosystem. So once again, we have a battle between good engineering and strong design. The commercials practically write themselves: "Hi, I'm a Dot. And I'm a GoPano..."
Credit: Kogeto, EyeSee360
Tags: Apps, Cell Phones, Gadgets, Imaging, WiFi and Mobile
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