A lot of brands want to be part of the coming virtual reality (VR) revolution and those in the forefront of the innovation are busy working on getting the masses hyped up for the VR storm. This is evident in Google Cardboard's collaboration with Visa and Bank of America.
More than 10,000 customized Google Cardboard head mounts were handed out on Dec. 6 to fans within the Gillette Stadium, the home of the New England Patriots, before the Patriots' game with the Philadelphia Eagles. Using the Cardboard VR, fans were able to experience an interactive 360-degree video content of the home team's training session.
The whole immersive experience was built on Strivr Labs' VR training platform. Viewers can use their mouse to manipulate the unrestricted behind-the-scenes access and view the content from different angles.
Viewers will be taken from the locker room to the field and into the frontlines of the practice session. Suffice it to say that it's as close as sports enthusiasts can get to observing one of the most successful teams in NFL history. And while some have noted that it isn't "true VR," it's worth noting that initiatives like this help further people's interest in virtual reality.
The move is seen as the companies' attempt to get more people engaged in virtual reality and the perks that come with the technology. Earlier this year, the New York Times also started incorporating the technology and produced a couple of films during the launch of its VR app to tell a more compelling story by taking the viewers on location.
Do note that the Patriots' 360-degree practice game video can also be viewed on other VR head mounts, including Samsung's Gear VR.
Below is the trailer video of the VR content. As for the Patriots-Eagles game, the Eagles won 35-28.
