The launch of Netflix’s Gear VR application bought the streaming service to virtual reality (VR) for the first time, yet the company are not convinced that the future for their business lies in 360 degree video content. According to CEO and co-founder Reed Hastings, exclusive VR content is not yet on the company’s radar. Despite broadening the company’s agenda with the addition of a virtual home cinema in which to watch all of the content available via Netflix, Hastings is not convinced that targeting that audience specifically is a worthwhile investment.
“We are really focused on movies and TV shows, doing more of those, which you can watch in a virtual reality headset if you want to,” Hastings said in an interview with Mashable. “But we think most people will watch Netflix on a smartphone or a smart TV.”
Chris Jaffe, VP of Product Innovation at Netflix, is seemingly more confident but no more committal, stating to Trusted Reviews that the company is ‘where that goes’.
Though video content designed exclusively for VR is on the rise, it’s likely to follow a similar pattern to videogames; small and startup studios leading the way before larger finance becomes available. As always, VRFocus will keep you updated with the latest on VR from Netflix.
