Samsung has announced that the Rio 2016 Olympics is coming to the Samsung Gear VR. The company will be providing virtual reality content for the device from this year’s Olympics. This marks a significant step in the integration of cutting-edge technology with global sporting events, offering fans an immersive experience like never before.
You will need a Samsung smartphone and a Samsung Gear VR headset, plus the NBC Sports app which will provide the content. This setup ensures that users can enjoy a high-quality VR experience, bringing the excitement of the Olympics right to their living rooms.
Extensive VR Programming
The 85 hours of VR programming, which will be captured by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) and supplied to NBC Olympics, will include the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, men’s basketball — including the semifinals and final — gymnastics, track and field, beach volleyball, diving, boxing, and fencing, as well as highlight packages of those sports.
All VR programming will be presented on delay, from August 6, the day after the Opening Ceremony, through August 22, the day after the Games conclude. Only Samsung Galaxy smartphones compatible with Gear VR will be able to access the VR content section of the NBC Sports app. Samsung customers can view the VR content via TV Everywhere on the NBC Sports app after authenticating through their pay TV provider.
The VR content will cover a wide range of sports, ensuring that fans of various disciplines can find something to enjoy. The inclusion of both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies allows viewers to experience the grandeur and spectacle of these events as if they were there in person. The ability to watch key events like the men’s basketball semifinals and finals, gymnastics, and track and field in VR adds a new dimension to sports viewing.
How to Access the VR Content
To access this exclusive VR content, users will need to authenticate through their pay TV provider on the NBC Sports app. This ensures that only legitimate subscribers can enjoy the VR experience, maintaining the value of the content. The requirement for a Samsung Galaxy smartphone compatible with Gear VR means that users will need relatively recent hardware to take advantage of this offering.
The NBC Sports app will serve as the gateway to this immersive content. Once authenticated, users can navigate to the VR section and select from the available programming. This setup is designed to be user-friendly, allowing even those new to VR technology to easily access and enjoy the content.
The Future of Sports Viewing
The introduction of VR content for the Rio 2016 Olympics represents a significant milestone in the evolution of sports broadcasting. By offering an immersive viewing experience, Samsung and NBC are setting a new standard for how fans can engage with live events. This move is likely to spur further innovation in the field, with other broadcasters and technology companies exploring similar offerings for future events.
Moreover, the use of VR technology in sports broadcasting has the potential to enhance the viewing experience in ways that traditional media cannot. For example, VR can provide unique perspectives and angles that are not possible with standard camera setups. This can bring fans closer to the action, making them feel like they are part of the event.
You can find out more details about the Rio 2016 Olympics in virtual reality over at Samsung at the link below.
Source Samsung
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