There’s been quite a few sporting events captured using virtual reality (VR) technology over the last year or so, but the biggest is still to come with the Rio 2016 Olympics only a few weeks away. Today NBC Olympics has announced it’ll be providing VR coverage through its NBC Sports app on Samsung’s Gear VR.
There’ll 85 hours of VR programming captured by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) including the opening and closing ceremonies, men’s basketball, gymnastics, track and field, beach volleyball, diving, boxing, and fencing, as well as highlight of those sports.
“The world’s greatest sporting event is always a showcase for cutting edge technology, and we’re thrilled to partner with Samsung and OBS to bring our viewers even closer to compelling Olympic action with virtual reality,” said Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics. “Olympic fans can be transported to iconic venues such as Maracana Stadium for an unprecedented view of the Opening Ceremony, and Copacabana Beach for an immersive beach volleyball experience in the sport’s ultimate setting.”
Samsung Galaxy smartphones compatible with the Gear VR are: Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Galaxy Note 5. Samsung customers can view the VR content via TV Everywhere on the NBC Sports app after authenticating through their pay TV provider. The app will provide coverage on a delay starting 6th August, through to 22nd August.
“Fans of the Olympics will now get to experience the world’s best athletes as they compete in some of the most popular events of Rio 2016 in a whole new way: through virtual reality,” said Marc Mathieu, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung Electronics America. “We are thrilled to work with NBC and OBS on this first-of-its-kind endeavour, connecting fans right to the action in Rio, powered by 360-degree storytelling, virtual reality and our Galaxy phones.”
For all the latest news on Gear VR keep reading VRFocus.
