The Theta V is a lightweight, compact 360-degree spherical camera, small enough to carry everywhere. An updated image sensor and processor lift image quality for more realistic, immersive 360-degree content, and high-speed data transfer — 2.5 times faster than previous Theta models — lets 14-megapixel stills and 4K video upload wirelessly for immediate sharing. A built-in 4-channel microphone captures omnidirectional audio in both horizontal and vertical directions, so sound and picture reproduce the scene together as it was shot; the optional 3D microphone TA-1 adds a wider, higher-frequency pickup for even richer sound. The camera pairs with an Android or iOS device running the RICOH THETA app (also supported via the RICOH360 app), connecting over Bluetooth Low Energy for an always-on link or over Wi-Fi for more flexible control, and communicates over an HTTP-based wireless protocol compatible with the Open Spherical Camera API. Ricoh-developed software plug-ins extend the Theta V's functionality, including the first remote-playback capability built into a commercially marketed fully spherical camera. Battery life runs to approximately 300 still images or 80 minutes of video per charge.