Welcome to the future. Almost literally.
In partnership with cloud graphics start-up company Otoy, the National Hockey League actually streamed the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks Stadium Series game this past weekend in 360 degree virtual reality.
This isn’t a joke.
According to this piece from venturebeat.com, those watching the game in virtual reality could view it from the comfort of their own home with multiple high-tech devices.
Those viewing the experience could watch it from the comfort of their homes with devices such as the PC-connected Oculus Rift virtual reality headset or a Samsung Gear VR virtual reality mobile device,” Venture Beat’s Dean Takahashi wrote. “The video puts you in the middle of a 360-degree environment. You can look around in any direction, seeing things like tailgate parties, gate entry, the rink-side view, and the hockey game action. It’s like you’re there in person.
If that wasn’t crazy enough, get a load of this.
Viewers were able to change their view of the game. Anything from a front-row seat to the game to an overhead view above the goaltender.
Virtual reality affords us a tremendous opportunity to enjoy experiences we might not otherwise have the ability to,” said Jules Urbach, CEO of Otoy, in a statement. “Whether you’re a fan living on the other side of the country, or you just couldn’t snag a seat to the big game in your own backyard, virtual reality lets you be as close to the action as any ticket holder.
Courtesy of Venturebeat.com
When did we actually get to the point where we were living in the future we dreamed of? Remember all of those high-budget futuristic movies of the 1980’s and 1990’s? We are literally living in that technological future right now.
NHL chief technology officer Peter DelGiacco had this to say in a statement:
With the advancements in virtual reality, the National Hockey League is excited about exploring the types of experiences this emerging field can bring to our fans.
Doing some research on our own here, the Samsung Gear VR virtual reality mobile device employed by those who watched the Sharks-Kings game goes for about $200 online.
It will be interesting to see just how mainstream this becomes. Imagine watching a NFL game in 360 degree virtual reality from the comfort of your living room.
Craziness.
Photo: USA Today