United States-based Samsung users will be able to witness the first virtual reality broadcasting of the Olympic games this year. NBC teamed up with Samsung to provide 85 hours of Olympic content from Rio 2016.
Interested Americans need few things to get started: a Samsung Gear VR, a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone and the NBC Sports app. Once viewers are setup, they'll be able to see both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies along with a myriad of sports games and highlights. A caveat, from a user perspective, could be the day delay in accessing VR content but if they're willing to wait they'll be awarded with an immersive 350-degree experience.
U.S.News reported that the London 2012 Olympics attracted 217 million viewers -- the most watched event in American history. NBC and Samsung's convergence of the virtual reality trend with the increasing viewership of the Olympics is a smart way to entice the American market to purchase the company's products and services.
Olympian VR Experiences
Samsung Users Will Be Able to See the Olympics in Virtual Reality
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Reality Broadcasting - The convergence of VR trend with live events such as Olympics presents an opportunity for businesses to create immersive experiences for consumers.
2. Immersive Sports Highlights - The ability to watch immersive sports highlights in VR presents an opportunity for businesses to provide unique experiences for sports fans.
3. Delayed Access VR Content - The challenge of delayed access to VR content presents an opportunity for businesses to innovate and find ways to decrease latency in VR broadcasting.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - Telecommunication companies can collaborate with sports events organizers to offer VR broadcasting services for viewers.
2. Media - Media companies can leverage VR technology to provide immersive live event coverage and generate new revenue streams.
3. Sports - Sports organizations can embrace VR technology to enhance fan experience and engagement during live events and beyond.