Storied news agency Associated Press is taking a deeper dive into virtual reality with a new portal for VR and 360-degree video content.
Harnessing VR technology “immerses viewers in the middle of the action,” according to the AP, “breaking physical and economic barriers by enabling them to travel into different environments and explore new realities.”
The news gatherer is partnering with technology company AMD on the venture, which will provide hardware and software solutions to “render several future VR environments for news and documentaries.” However, AP editors will wield complete editorial control of any forthcoming content.
This content will be able to be consumed via high-end platforms like the Oculus Rift as well as mobile-enabled devices like Google Cardboard (or whatever VR product Google is making next) and the Samsung Gear VR, according to Fortune.
The AP first dipped its toes into VR last year and has already helmed content about a
migrant and refugee camp in Calais, France, as well as a look behind the scenes at the premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and even an animation of what exactly transpires during a supermoon.“From the Oscars to the Olympics to a breaking news situation like El Chapo’s escape,” Paul Cheung, the AP’s director of interactive and digital news production, told Fortune, “my team is constantly thinking about whether there’s a virtual reality opportunity to bring the audience closer to the news.”
Cheung added the success of The New York Times’ VR endeavors proved that consumer appetites’ for these new technologies were overwhelming. “l believe VR and 360 will be a natural extension of photos and videos,” he added. “Just like moving pictures going from black and white to color.”
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