In the same path of providing social VR experiences as Facebook Rooms, Telefonica shows in the Mobile World Congress these days a prototype of a multiplatform virtual reality application customized with two environments that makes possible for the users enjoying 360º immersive experiences: A private virtual room to enjoy the contents of Movistar+ in a large 192 “2D screen and a public virtual room to share with other users the viewing of Movistar+ contents for massive audiences such as cinema premieres or sport events, among others.
The aforementioned virtual reality experience is interactive since it can be shared with other users who join the room under their avatar form. Users can speak one to each other through their avatas and 3D audio.
The private virtual room can accommodate up to 5 users at the same time, while in the public room it is possible to add up to 15 avatar represented people.
A social virtual space that opens the door for new forms of interactive advertising
TV Virtual Experience allows the positioning of products since, while the main content is playing, interactive 3D advertising objects can appear inside the virtual room so that the user can access more information about the advertised product or service, related promotions and even buy with a direct click on the floating object / ad.
This experience is just another step towards the television of the future where thanks to new technologies, it can be achieved a comprehensive experience user turns from being a passive subject into an active agent who can interact with the contents tailoring them to his/her needs.
Enjoying content interactively
In terms of content, three types are shown at the virtual rooms: Movistar + live channels such as #0; video on demand (VoD), providing original series produced by Movistar+ such as La Peste or La Zona; and 360º content, such as the final match of the ACB and the Locomundo program.
These recordings have been made with the Samsung 360º Round cameras as part of the global strategic agreement reached between Telefónica and Samsung.
In addition, the main content seen on the 2D screen is complemented by floating screens where users can view both interactive media content related to VoD content, and tweets that are generated around a content or recommendations in a similar to what is being shown on the main screen.
The equipment needed to access the Virtual Experience TV
The app is compatible with the main virtual reality platforms: Oculus, Microsoft and SteamVR.
VR glasses or headsets from a wide range of manufacturers with different technical specifications and prices are compatible with this service. Among them: Samsung Gear VR (for Samsung S6 smartphone or higher), Oculus Rift, Lenovo Mirage or HTC VIVE.
At least one PC with Intel i5 7th generation processor or higher is needed to have access to the virtual room experience.
Image over the headline.- Mercedes Fernández, Manager Technological Innovation at Telefónica Spain, presents Telefónica’s Virtual Experience TV at the 2018 Mobile World Congress. © Telefónica.
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