Sir Rodney Smithers wrote:
This is an interesting Panoramic view, and have been used by MS Auto to
preview autos for awhile.

The problem with any wide angle lens is the distortion, so in my mind it is
a great novelty but the distortion ruins some great views.

I am very curious as to how they take the 360 degree pictures. If anyone
knows I would like to hear the details.

Here's a primer. It's a simple answer to a complex question, but it
gives you a start:
http://www.honeylocust.com/vr/info/howto/

And here is another good source for VR information:
http://www.panoramas.dk/quicktime/