The world of sport just can’t get enough of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Sports are usually the first to adapt to new technologies, and broadcasters all over the world are jumping on the VR streaming bandwagon, as you’ll read below.
But VR isn’t just good for viewing sport, as Floyd Mayweather’s boxing and fitness gyms reveal VR training, which we’ve gone into more detail about below.
The adoption of the technology is definitely exciting, and we are of course seeing brand new announcements every week. For more sports news, read on below…
Virtex Arena Brings AR to the Super Bowl
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During the downtime between plays, it’s easy to get impatient. Heck, you want to see your team toss around the old pig skin, not wait for them to slowly get into position. If you’re sick of waiting around when watching your favourite game of good old American Football, then the Virtex Arena app just might be for you.
The Virtex Arena app allows you to play a small football kicking videogame which you can play simultaneously with other impatient fans. The AR videogame takes place on the actual field, and the app adjusts according to where you are in the stadium. Users can also play the game at home, of course!
The app also keeps you updated on scores and who’s winning, to keep players engaged in both games going on.
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Displayed at CES 2018, Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather’s latest venture is a VR Training program to assist those who can’t quite make it out to the gym.
Mayweather’s new gym chain is opening up in Los Angeles, the VR training program spans a full twelve week program of sessions which feature the man himself as your coach and personal trainer.
“Boxing gave me a platform to become a world-class athlete, and I’m using those skills to build a global fitness platform that will help people to train better and smarter,” explains Mayweather. “I’ve seen how the fitness industry has evolved; and now we’re taking it to the next level, not only by incorporating the workouts that I used throughout my career, but also by investing in cutting-edge technology and making that a core part of our offering.”
The app uses a HTC Vive headset and controllers, and we hope we can get something similar on our home VR devices soon.
NBC to Live-Stream 2018 Winter Olympics in VR
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For the very first time you’ll be able to view the Olympics live in VR in the US. This year, the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea will be streamed live to VR viewers in the US.
This is the very first time the Winter Olympics has been recorded in VR. In 2016, NBC did make available over 85 hours of VR content for the Rio Olympics, but most of that delayed by a day, instead of live streamed.
Americans interested will have to be NBC subscribers, mind. Not everything in life is free!
Powered by Intel True VR, users will be able look around stadiums in 360-degrees, and you’ll be able to watch VR replays of all previously streamed events during the games.
Variety reports that the VR schedule will include the opening ceremony, closing ceremony, alpine skiing, curling, snowboarding, figure skating and more.
“The Olympics have long been an opportunity to showcase emerging media technology,” Gary Zenkel, president of NBC Olympics, said in a statement. “With the help of Intel’s industry-leading virtual reality technology, NBC Olympics will deliver a transformative experience that will bring to Olympic fans an entirely new perspective on the speed, thrills, and excitement of an Olympic Winter Games.”
There’s lots of exciting things happening in the sporting world, for all of the latest on sports in VR or AR, make sure to keep reading VRFocus.
