Make your THETA by registering for the RICOH THETA Plug-in Partner Program
The RICOH THETA Plug-in Partner Program supports RICOH THETA plug-in development with an Android-based OS.
RICOH THETA cameras now have an open API / SDK that both individuals and corporations can access. Everyone with an Android-based RICOH THETA camera can install programs (plug-ins) into the RICOH THETA. You develop the plug-in using our API / SDK and Android Studio and are free to expand the functions of the RICOH THETA.
Plug-ins can only run on RICOH THETA V and later models. Plug-ins will not run on the original THETA, m15, SC, or S models.
In order to develop plug-ins, you need to register for our partner program.
Plug-ins you develop can be made available to the public at the RICOH THETA PLUG-IN STORE. This will allow developers to share your plug-in widely with many THETA users.
* The partner program is a service that supports the development of plug-ins that operate within the RICOH THETA itself. There is a separate SDK to develop RICOH THETA applications on smartphones. Information about the development of applications for smartphones is here.
What you can do with plug-ins
RICOH THETA plug-ins enable control over 360 shooting and image editing as well as control of the interface and sensors. Examples are below. For further information, please see here.
USB
The USB port of the RICOH THETA can be assigned as USB Host. As long as the Android library is exposed, any device class can be used with the THETA Plug-in SDK. This includes device classes such as HID, CDC, Audio Class, and more, as well as unique classes that vendors develop on their own.
BLE
RICOH THETA can use BLE and be asigned as either Peripheral or Central. The THETA can use communication protocols after a connection is established as long as the Android library is exposed. The THETA plug-in SDK can import and use these libraries.
Wi-Fi
The THETA can be configured both as an access point or a client. When the THETA is in Access Point Mode, other devices can connect to it using Ad Hoc Mode. It is also possible to connect a THETA to the Access Point in Infrastructure Mode. With this mode, THETA can be connected to internet.
Gyro Acceleration Sensor
Movement of a THETA can be detected using the gyro sensor or the accelerometer.
Plug-in development examples
We provide plug-ins to enhance the following camera features: directional adjustment for shooting pictures,
external device linkage and cloud transfer.
Remote Playback
Pre-installed in RICOH THETA model which is Android™ based OS
USB Data Transfer
Pre-installed in RICOH THETA model which is Android™ based OS
See here for all RICOH Plug-ins.
Service
Freely available with no registration
Services for partner service registrants
- Switch to 'development mode' of RICOH THETA camera
- Online support
- Post your plug-in to RICOH THETA PLUG-IN STORE
- Online support
- Post your plug-in to RICOH THETA PLUG-IN STORE
How to join the partner program
1. Registration
First complete the application to the partner program. To register with the partner program, you need a photo of your RICOH THETA serial number. We will then review your application. Qualified applicants will be invited to join the partner program with more information on how to post to the RICOH THETA PLUG-IN STORE.
Please be aware that once you register a RICOH THETA camera as a development camera, it will be fall outside of normal Ricoh support.
2. Develop
After completing registration, you can develop plug-ins using Android Studio.
Please refere these resources:
For more information from developer community:
Plug-in Development Tips from the Community Plug-in Developer Community Forum Official Developer Community Blog (Japanese)You can ask technical support from here after login.
3. Publish to store
Apply the plug-in that you developed from here to publish on the RICOH THETA PLUG-IN STORE.
Contact
Ask from here for general questions.