Sky has announced this week that the media company is getting in on the virtual reality (VR) surge with a brand new dedicated app. Sky VR will be showcasing a range of immersive, 360-degree videos from Sky, and the best content from Sky’s partners.
As part of the app’s launch Sky has revealed two brand new VR experiences, Sky Sports: Closer, featuring David Beckham and the first of a series of Sky exclusive commissions – a performance from English National Ballet’s production of Giselle ahead of its forthcoming UK tour. The former is available now while the latter is coming later this month.
David Beckham said in a statement: “It was great to work with Sky and Google on this film to launch the new Sky Virtual Reality app. The team from the Sky VR studio came up with an incredible concept that shows the range of sport Sky offers. Being able to take other sports fans on a journey into some of the world’s biggest sporting events was a unique opportunity.”
For the launch the Sky VR app will feature 360-degree video content from Sky, Disney, Fox Innovation Lab, Warner Brothers, Baobab Studios, Jaunt, Innerspace and Surround Vision. These include: Star Wars: Red Carpet, Anthony Joshua: Becoming World Champion, Paul McCartney: Dance Tonight, Baobab Studios’ Invasion, F1 – Team Williams, Suicide Squad: Squad 360 and many more.
Gary Davey, Managing Director, Content at Sky, commented: “Interest in VR content is building, generating more excitement every day. We are just at the beginning of our VR journey at Sky, launching Sky VR studios earlier this year and we are already breaking new ground. Now comes the creative challenge of deploying this immersive experience with engaging story-telling. I am a big believer.”
The Sky VR app was first announced in July, and supports iOS, Android, Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR platforms. VRFocus will continue its coverage of Sky VR, reporting back with any further updates.