The Samsung Gear 360 is a 360-degree camera first released in 2016, designed to capture immersive photos and videos. It relied on the Gear 360 mobile app and the ActionDirector software for editing, firmware updates, and feature management.[1] Over time, reliance on these digital services meant that the camera's functionality was partly dependent on software support and server availability.
Discontinuation
In July 2020, the discontinuation of Samsung Gear 360 software and servers was announced for the start of August, limiting device functionality without prior notice.[2]
Samsung's response
Samsung stated that the Gear 360 app would no longer receive updates, and that the Gear 360 ActionDirector and Gear 360 apps for Windows and Mac would remain available for download only until February 28, 2024, but provided no detailed timeline for all affected features.[1]
Consumer response
People were frustrated and upset that Samsung shut down updates and servers without warning.[3] Many complained online about losing features, and some in the community worked on modified versions of the Gear 360 Manager app to keep the camera usable on newer devices.[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Naresh, Sagar (2020-07-24). "Samsung Discontinues New Updates For Gear 360 App". Android Headlines. Archived from the original on 2022-07-29. Retrieved 2026-10-26.
- ↑ Farooqui, Adnan (2020-07-24). "Samsung will no longer release updates for the Gear 360 app". SamMobile. Archived from the original on 2025-07-20. Retrieved 2026-10-26.
- ↑ DanTheGamer (2022-08-15). "Gear 360 App". Samsung. Archived from the original on 2023-06-03. Retrieved 2026-10-26.
- ↑ Quinn, Kieron (2023-07-31). "[MOD][PORT] Samsung Gear 360 Manager for all devices (by Kieron Quinn) 1.5.00.1-3". APKMirror. Archived from the original on 2025-08-20. Retrieved 2026-10-26.