Apple launches new version of Clips with 360-degree selfies

Apple has announced a major update to its Clips video app with a promised ‘Selfie Scenes’ feature that is designed to use the front-facing TrueDepth camera on the iPhone X to immerse users in 360-degree animated landscapes.

Clips introduce 'Selfie Scene' and adds artistic style transfer effects and a redesigned interface that makes it easier than ever to create great videos on the go. Using the sophisticated TrueDepth camera system on iPhone X, Selfie Scenes transports users into bustling cities, serene landscapes, abstract paintings and even the Millennium Falcon and Mega-Destroyer from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”

With Selfie Scenes, users can now choose from 10 Apple-designed scenes, featuring unique locations, characters, colours and visual styles. Each scene is a full 360-degree experience, so it surrounds users on all sides as they move iPhone X and environmental sound effects make scenes even more immersive.

New artistic effects use advanced machine learning and style transfer technology to turn any photo or video into a moody oil painting, vibrant watercolour or elegant pencil sketch — in real time while recording.

Users can now access and edit their Clips videos on iPhone and iPad via iCloud. Videos are automatically uploaded and backed up to iCloud, so users can start a video on iPhone and finish it later on iPad. Photos and video clips in iCloud Photo Library are referenced by Clips, not copied, to make efficient use of iCloud storage.

With Clips, users can also create personal video messages, slideshows, school projects and mini-movies. The app includes more than 60 soundtracks that automatically adjust to match the length of videos. The new version is now available as a free update on the App Store.