One future of media experience lies within a socially connected virtual world. VR started almost 30 years ago and is now wearable, real-time, integrated with sensing, and becoming transparent. Sphera realizes a socially driven 360-degree media space that includes ambient scenery, visual exploration, and integration with friends. By combining an Oculus Rift (VR heads-on display), Microsoft Kinect (depth sensor), and a natural voice command interface, we created a socially connected, 360-degree immersive virtual world for media exploration and selection, as well as big-data manipulation and visualization.