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After appearing on Shark Tank, the Cycloramic app became a huge hit. This 360-degree camera app amazed investors and users with its hands-free photography feature.

But what made it so unique? A phone’s vibration motor could spin the device and take smooth panoramic photos—an entirely new concept. The 3D panorama app quickly became popular, showing how a brilliant idea and good marketing can lead to big success.

Cycloramic inspires new entrepreneurs by showing how innovation can become a highly profitable business. So, if you’ve been considering investing in Cycloramic app development, now is the ideal moment to enter this exciting market.

Thus, this blog will guide you to build a 360-degree camera app similar to Cycloramic with unique features and ways to make money.

So, let’s begin!

What is a Cycloramic App?

Cycloramic was a unique app that helped users take 360-degree panoramic photos and videos without touching their phone. It automatically rotates the phone’s vibration motor on a smooth surface that captures a complete view.

This Cycloramic app, Shark Tank, was handy for people who wanted to take hands-free panoramic shots. Additionally, it is great for real estate, travel, and creative photography. It became popular after appearing on Shark Tank.

However, it later stopped working on newer iPhones as they no longer had flat edges to stand on. So, this is the best time for entrepreneurs to make an app like Cycloramic with the help of an Art and design app development company.

Cycloramic App: The Shark Tank Success Story That Redefined Photography!

Bruno Francois made a unique Cycloramic app that allows iPhone users to take hands-free 360-degree pictures and videos. He used the phone’s vibration motor to spin the device on a flat surface. This helped users in taking panoramas.

In 2014, Bruno pitched Cycloramic to investors on Shark Tank, and they liked it. Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner invested $500,000 for a 15% stake. The VR camera app went viral after the show aired, making over $1.2 million in sales in just one hour.

This makes it the #1 app in the App Store. According to Techcrunch., the Apple co-founder uses the Cycloramic app on his iPhone 5.

However, Cycloramic stopped working on newer iPhones because they don’t have the flat edges that the app needs. This story is still a great example of how new ideas like the cycloramic shark tank idea and a great pitch can lead to massive success.

Feature	Description
App Name	Cycloramic
Creator	Bruno Francois
Functionality	Hands-free 360-degree photo and video capture
Technology Used	iPhone’s vibration motor to rotate the device
Success	Generated millions in sales and gained widespread popularity
Current Status	Became obsolete due to newer iPhone models
Legacy	Inspiring tech startup success story

360 Degree Camera: Some Key Facts That You Can’t Ignore!

There will likely be 1.07 billion mobile AR users in 2025. By 2028, that number is expected to have risen to 1.19 billion. (Statista)
It is expected that the market for 360-degree cameras will hit $8.1 billion by 2030, up from $1.3 billion in 2023.

Source: Grand View Research

The single lens market share was 39.8% in 2023, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.8% over the next five years. (GMinsights)
In 2023, Wired had a 63.8% share of the market. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.1% over the next five years.

How Does a Cycloramic App Work?

If you plan to build an app like Cycloramic, you need to know its working mechanism. An Android app development company explains the Cycloramic app’s step-by-step functioning here.

Place the Phone Upright: Users must put their phones on a flat, smooth surface that is not curved, like glass or a cleaned table.
Activate the App: To use the panoramic mode for photos or movies, open the Cycloramic iPhone app and choose it.
Hands-Free Rotation: The device will instantly rotate when you use the phone’s built-in vibration motor to open the app.
Auto-Capture: The app takes multiple pictures or videos in a constant loop as the phone spins to make a perfect 360-degree panorama.
Preview & Edit: After the rotation is complete, users can examine, edit, and improve their photos using features inside the Cycloramic app.
Save & Share: You can save the finished panoramic photos or movies to the gallery and then share them on social media.

How To Build An App Like Cycloramic?

Now that you know the workings of the 360 camera app Cycloramic, it is time to turn your idea into reality. But first, you need to know the Cycloramic app development process, which will help you create a successful application. So, here are the crucial steps to develop an app like Cycloramic.

1. Conduct Market Analysis

Before you start the Cycloramic app development, you need to understand who will use it. Are people still interested in panoramic photography? What kind of users love taking 360-degree pictures? Do other similar apps exist?

To find answers, look at AI photography app development trends, check reviews of similar apps like Cycloramic, and ask potential users what they want. This step helps you understand if your app idea is sound and how to improve it. If people love hands-free photography, then you’re on the right track!

What unique Cycloramic app did that makes it popular among users?
Who are the main competitors in the panoramic photography app market?
What pricing model will attract the target audience for a Cycloramic-like app?

2. Know Your Competitors

There are many Cycloramic alternatives out there that offer panoramic photography. Your next step is to study these 360° photography apps and see what they do well and where they fail.

Some apps have excellent image quality, while others may be slow or hard to use. Read user reviews to learn what people like and dislike. This will help you decide how to improve your app compared to the competition.

For example, if users complain that a virtual tour camera app takes blurry pictures, you can work on making your app take clear and sharp images. If an app lacks video recording, you can add that feature to make yours unique.

What unique features do competitors’ panoramic photography apps offer?
How do competitors monetize their apps and attract users?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of top Cycloramic alternatives?

3. Develop the Core Functionality

Now that you know what people want and what your competitors are offering, it’s time to build the main feature of your app. In Cycloramic, the phone moves on its own using the vibration motor.

If you’re investing in 360 degree camera app development for newer phones that don’t have flat edges, you may need to use the gyroscope (a smartphone sensor) to track movement.

This part is crucial because it will decide how well your app works. You must ensure the app can take smooth 360-degree pictures and videos without shaking. You’ll also need special tools to combine multiple images into one perfect panoramic shot.

How can the app utilize gyroscope and accelerometer sensors for hands-free panoramic photography?
What algorithms ensure smooth and accurate image stitching for 360-degree panoramas?
How can AI enhance image processing and stabilization in a Cycloramic-like app?

4. Develop a Backend Architecture

After creating the core functionality, you must create a mobile app’s backend. The backend is like the brain of the Cycloramic mobile camera app development that helps store photos, process images, and manage user settings.

If your app allows users to save their photos in the cloud, the backend will help store those files. It also helps with features like user profiles, app settings, and sharing options.

Your backend should be fast and secure so users don’t experience delays or crashes. If you lack expertise in backend development, you might need help from professional developers.

What backend framework ensures smooth image processing and panoramic rendering?
How can the backend handle high-resolution image storage efficiently?
What APIs are needed for seamless device motion and camera control?

5. Test Your App

Testing helps find mistakes or bugs in the app that could make it run slowly or be hard to use. Testers use different testing methods. For example, they may check whether the Cycloramic photography app works on various phones and screens.

It’s essential that the app doesn’t crash and that the turn is smooth. Let other people try it, too, to tell you what needs to be changed. Before you release the app to the public, fix any bugs and improve it based on what people say.

Does the app accurately capture seamless panoramic photos like Cycloramic?
Is the hands-free rotation feature working smoothly on all compatible devices?
Are there any performance or stability issues during extended app usage?

6. Launch & Market the App

After testing your app well, the next step is to make it public. Remember that you must follow the rules before you start. It needs to be helpful to people. A well-made automatic photo rotation app with a simple interface and valuable features will quickly get people’s attention.

Regular updates fix problems, keep the app up to date, and improve its functionality. By making the app work better and more manageable, you can ensure long-term success and involvement.

What marketing strategies will effectively promote the app to photography enthusiasts?
Which platforms are best for launching a Cycloramic-like app?
How can user feedback be leveraged to improve app performance and engagement?

Key Features of Cycloramic App Development

When you build an app like Cycloramic, it is vital to integrate the right features to capture stunning images effortlessly. So, we have listed down the must-have features that will boost user experience and set your app apart:

Hands-Free Panorama Capture

You can put your phone down on a flat surface and let it spin to take a panoramic picture without touching it. This hands-free feature, which was based on Cycloramic, makes taking photos more manageable and fun.

360-Degree Photo & Video Recording

You must allow users to take beautiful 360-degree photos and videos without moving their phones. The app should take care of the whole process of taking a picture, so with just one tap, you can see the entire scene.

Smart Image Stabilization

Smart picture stabilization eliminates blurriness and compensates for small movements. So, when an iPhone app development services provider adds a smart image stabilization feature, your panoramas will always look clear and professional.

Automatic Image Stitching

Your Cycloramic app clone development should be able to combine several pictures into a smooth, high-quality panorama instantly. This way, users will not have to think about edges that do not match or distortions.

Voice & Gesture Control

If you can just say “Start capture,” why press a button? The app will be even more fun with voice and hand gestures. You should be able to turn on the panorama mode with just a hand wave or voice order, making taking pictures hands-free.

AI-Powered Auto-Enhancement

Not everyone is a camera professional, and that is fine. With AI development, users can instantly change the picture’s brightness, contrast, and sharpness, so they do not have to edit it by hand.

Multi-Mode Photography

Users should be able to choose from different panorama views, such as wide-angle, 180-degree, and full 360-degree shots. It ensures they get the picture they want, whether a view, a group shot, or a view of the city skyline.

AR Preview

Could people see a preview of their panorama before taking a picture? Many augmented reality apps provide preview mode. With an AR-based preview mode, they can better frame their shot and avoid awkward poses or missing details.

Slow-Motion & Time-Lapse Modes

Why stop at simple panoramas? If you add creative features like slow motion and time-lapse for panoramic movies, people who like photography will be interested in your app.

Multi-Device Compatibility

Your app should work perfectly on smart glasses, smartphones, and laptops. This ensures that people can enjoy panoramas with any gadget they choose.

Easy Editing & Cropping

Sometimes, a picture needs a little work before it can be shared. With the video editing app development feature, users will find it easy to improve their photos with a built-in designer that offers tools for cropping, rotating, and changing the brightness.

Offline Functionality

Not everyone can connect to the internet all the time. Users should be able to take panoramas and edit them without an internet connection. This would make your helpful app anywhere, from faraway trip spots to subway rides.

Best 360 Degree Camera Apps Like Cycloramic

Now that you are well-versed in the essential features of the Cycloramic clone app, it is time to learn about its competitors. So, here are the popular Cycloramic app alternatives that you must check out:

Top 360-degree Camera Apps like Cycloramic	Available Platform	Downloads	Ratings
Panorama 360	Android \| iOS	10M+	3.6
Photaf	Android \| iOS	5M+	3.7
360 Photo Sphere	Android \| iOS	100K+	3.2
Cardboard	Android \| iOS	10M+	3.7
Go Street View	Android \| iOS	100K+	3.6

Cost To Build A 360-degree Camera App Like Cycloramic

The cost to develop an app like Cycloramic ranges between $10000 – $25000. However, the Cycloramic app development cost can fluctuate based on factors like app complexity, features, and design.

Let’s say you want to create a basic Cycloramic 360-degree camera app for Android. This will cost less, while an advanced version with AI-powered features can increase the cost by up to $25000.

So, if you want to know the actual cost to build an app like Cycloramic, it is best to contact a mobile app development company. Now, let’s check out the major factors that affect the cost to develop a panoramic camera app similar to Cycloramic.

1. App Complexity

Your app complexity can greatly affect the Cycloramic app development cost. A simple 360-degree camera app can be less expensive than a highly advanced one. However, customization takes longer and costs more because it lets users create their own content, filters, and effects.

App Complexity	Cost Estimation
Simple Cycloramic-like App	$10000 – $15000
Medium Cycloramic-like App	$15000 – $20000
Complex Cycloramic-like App	$25000

2. Platform Compatibility

Platform compatibility is a big factor that affects the cost to make an app like Cycloramic. Since separate code, testing, and optimization are required for iOS and Android, the panoramic camera app development for both platforms raises costs. Understanding Android and iOS’s market share before selecting platform compatibility is essential.

Platform Choice	Cost Estimation
Android App	$12000 – $22000
iOS App	$15000 – $25000
Cross-platform App	$8000 – $20000

3. Development Team’s Size

The size of the on-demand app development company has a big impact. Cycloramic app development clone turns out. The project’s complexity, the time allocated, and the level of experience required all have an effect. The project budget and team size are firmly related, as larger teams typically incur higher expenses.

Team Composition	Estimated Hourly Rate
1-2 Developers	$15 – $25
3-5 Developers	$20 – $30
6+ Developers	$30 – $50+

4. Features & Functionalities

Lastly, the cost to create an app similar to Cycloramic is due to features and functionalities. The Cycloramic clone app development cost will be higher with customized features. Let’s say you want to create a simple app with features like smart image stabilization, voice gesture control, and so on, and then it will cost you less.

Features	Cost Estimation
Login or registration	$500 – $800
Push notification	$800 – $1000
AR Preview	$1000 – $1200
AI-powered Auto Enhancement	$1200 – $1500
Voice & Gesture Control	$1000 – $1100
360 Degree Photo & Video Recording	$800 – $1400

How To Monetize Your 360-Degree Camera App Like Cycloramic?

Creating a 360 degree camera app like Cycloramic requires innovative money-making methods. There are lots of ways to do this that will still be fun for people. These are easy ways to make money with your app and make it a hit.

1. Free App with Paid Features

One of the best ways to attract more users is by offering your Cycloramic clone app for free. Many people like to try an app before spending money on it. However, you can still make money by providing extra features for a price. But first, you must consult an IT consulting services provider about this.

Users can pay to get tools that make 360° pictures smoother, better-quality photos and videos, and special filters, for example. This will help them download your Fisheye lens camera app more often, and those who like it can pay extra benefits.

2. Monthly or Yearly Subscription

You can earn revenue by charging people a small fee monthly or yearly. This subscription model works well because it lets users access paid services and helps them make a steady income.

For a fee, you can give people more space to store their photos and movies or smart tools that improve the quality of the pictures. Users will feel like they have spent the money on the right thing.

3. Ads in the App

As long as you have many free users, putting ads in your 360-degree photography app is a simple way to make money. You can put small ads at the bottom of the screen that will not bother people too much. Customers can also be rewarded for watching commercials by getting free access to a premium feature.

Additionally, you may collaborate with photography and camera manufacturers to incorporate their advertisements into your fisheye lens camera app. You can generate revenue from ads without compromising the customer experience.

4. Sell Your Technology to Other

Many companies can benefit from 360-degree camera technology, and you can make money by selling or licensing your app’s features to them. As you know, the future of VR and AR is already brewing, and it will be used in many sectors.

For example, real estate companies can use 360-degree images for virtual house tours. Travel agencies can showcase tourist spots 360 degrees, and car companies can show new car models with a full 360-degree view. If your virtual tour camera app has good features, businesses will be willing to pay to use your technology.

5. Charge a One-Time Fee

Instead of offering a free app, you can sell it for a fixed price. This means users will have to pay once to access all the essential life features.

This method works best if your app has high-quality features people will pay for. While you may get fewer downloads than a free app, each sale will generate direct income.

Ready to Create an App like Cycloramic?

Building an app similar to Cycloramic can be exciting and rewarding. With the right features, easy-to-use design, and smart technology, you can create an Android app like Cycloramic that people love.

Working with a skilled social media app development company will help bring your idea to life. Good planning is key to success for photography fans or tech lovers. So, if you’re ready to turn your idea into reality, hire expert mobile app developers and start building your Cycloramic-like app today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Long Does It Take To Develop An App Like Cycloramic?

The estimated timeframe for Cycloramic app development is 2 – 6 months. However, if you customize your app with unique features and designs, it will take more time to develop. So, scheduling a consultation call with a mobile app development company is vital for estimating time.

Q2. How Much Does It Cost To Build A 360-Degree Camera App?

The average cost to create a 360-degree camera app is around $10000 – $25000. However, your app’s complexity, functionalities, virtual tour camera app design, and the development team’s location majorly affect the cost.