NBC is set to deliver coverage of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in VR.
The content will be exclusive to authenticated users of compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones together with Samsung Gear VR via the NBC Sports app.
Samsung, the official smartphone partner of the Games, will offer 85 hours of VR programming to its customers via Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), including coverage of the men’s basketball, gymnastics, track and field, beach volleyball, diving, boxing, and fencing.
“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 VR,” 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 endeavor, connecting fans right to the action in Rio, powered by 360-degree storytelling, VR and our Galaxy phones.”
All VR programming will be presented on delay from 6 August, the day after the opening ceremony, through to August 22, the day after the Games conclude.
“VR technology carries incredible potential for the sport broadcast industry, offering a truly immersive user experience,” said Yiannis Exarchos, OBS CEO.
“VR has the power to enable hundreds of millions of people around the world to have a real sense of presence and participation in the most universal celebration of humanity, which is the Olympic Games.”
