Samsung has been one of the leaders in the virtual reality platform. The Korean tech giant is proving this once again by partnering up with NBC to provide Samsung Gear VR headset users a very unique Rio Olympics 2016 experience.
According to Ad Week, the two companies have provided a 360-degree view from Rio's Maracanã Stadium, putting Gear VR users exactly where the action is. The project went on air last Saturday and provides users with 85 hours of video. The footage includes time from men's basketball, track and field, gymnastics, beach volleyball, boxing, diving and fencing.
As Engadget notes, the entire experience is not fault-free. The technology, being relatively new, is definitely not perfect. However, the entire idea of showing an event via virtual reality, is a fascinating one. After all, it did have its share of good points.
For instance, the view and angles that were provided are ideal from a spectator's perspective. There were also ground cameras, which allowed a close up view of the more colorful activities - the dancing and other performances - were being shown.
The content itself comes from NBC, which also allows the footage to be distributed via the NBC Sports app. However, there is a conflict with NBC's actual coverage of the Olympics.
To resolve the issue, the VR footage is delayed from the actual activities. More specifically, Friday's opening ceremony was not viewable via the Samsung Gear VR until Saturday.
As such, the following schedule has been adopted for VR screenings.
Aug. 8: Boxing prelims
Aug. 9: Boxing prelims
Aug. 10: Gymnastics, men's all-around
Aug. 11: Gymnastics, women's all-around
Aug. 12: Fencing, men's team foil
Aug. 13: Track and field
Aug. 14: Track and field
Aug. 15: Track and field
Aug. 16: Track and field
Aug. 17: Beach volleyball, women's medal matches
Aug. 18: Beach volleyball, men's medal matches
Aug. 19: Basketball, men's semifinals
Aug. 20: Diving, men's 10m semi and final
Aug. 21: Basketball, men's medal games and closing ceremony
