At this year’s Newfronts, Discovery was one of several networks to discuss its upcoming plans in the virtual reality space. Now, the media company best known for its cable channel has opened its VR experience to the public. It has launched Discovery VR, which gives viewers access to a number of 360-degree videos.
Discovery’s VR videos are available on new apps for both iOS and Android, Samsung’s Milk VR service, and YouTube. The library includes a number of companion videos to existing Discovery Channel shows, such as Survivorman, Gold Rush, and Mythbusters. As it is wont to do, Discovery has also tied in one of its favorite subjects–sharks–to its VR launch. Here’s a 360-degree video of the Mythbusters gang as they perform some underwater exploration. For the best viewing experience, watch it on Google Cardboard or a similar device.
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“A small team of us at Discovery have been pushing for this for months and we couldn’t be happier with the results,” said Barry Pousman, Director of Programming at Discovery Digital Networks and Head of Discovery VR Originals, in an email to Tubefilter. “We believe VR is here to stay and we’re making sure Discovery is at the forefront. Those interested in virtual reality or 360 content are desperately trying to find amazing content and we’re thrilled to be providing it.”
Discovery has not been shy about experiment with the newest forms of video technology. During its most recent Shark Week, it partnered with Meerkat to provide a selection of live-streaming shows. Its VR videos are another step forward–just make sure to remember you’re not actually swimming with sharks.
