Samsung Gear VR Live Pass Coming This Summer
Samsung seems to have a lot of plans oriented around live broadcasting through their Gear VR device. In a recently launched video the company showcases many events that’ll be live-streamed in 360 including a UFC match in Brazil, X-Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a concert in partnership with Live Nation. Samsung has emphasized how this new way of viewing events will allow you to be in the front row without having to leave your house, “All in real time.” Samsung recently expanded its global presence to 45 countries, enabling more consumers around the world to enjoy the Gear VR platform.
“We are excited to offer Samsung Gear VR users the opportunity to experience their favorite live music and sporting events through our industry-leading VR ecosystem,” said Younghee Lee, CMO and Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics. “Partnering with these companies to expand our VR services helps us to open up a new gateway of opportunities for fans and demonstrate our commitment to delivering experiences that make the seemingly impossible, possible.”
Dates for the events:
- UFC® 212: ALDO vs. HOLLOWAY, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 3, 2017: For the first time in UFC history an event will be live streamed in Virtual Reality. Fans will witness this highly-anticipated event in high-quality 360-degree live stream and will have access to additional VR content, including pre-event and post-event show highlights with UFC featherweight champion José Aldo and interim UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway.*
- X Games Minneapolis, USA July 13 – 16, 2017: Gear VR users will be able to experience the thrill of the X Games from the comfort of their homes as they watch the world’s best BMX riders and skaters, including Jimmy Wilkins, Chad Kerley and Jagger Eaton compete at the biggest action sports event of the year.
- Live Music Concert with International Artist, USA August, 2017: Music fans around the world will get the best seats in the house to watch one of the most exciting, high-energy and renowned music acts with Live Nation, the largest live event company in the world.
“We’ve always felt that the potential of combining UFC events with virtual reality would give our fans the ultimate enhanced experience,” UFC Chief Operating Officer Ike Lawrence Epstein said. “We’re excited to partner with Samsung on this game-changing initiative to further revolutionize how fight fans consume our content and live events around the world.”
“The X Games is the premier action sports event that continually provides a platform for athletic progression,” said Tim Reed, Vice President, ESPN X Games. “From never been done tricks to awe-inspiring competition, Samsung’s Gear VR technology is perfect to showcase dynamic action sports to viewers across the world.”
Samsung has also partnered with SLIVER.tv to live-stream Esports events and gaming. They have brought tournaments such as Dreamhack Masters to life in 360 on top of the Intel Extreme Masters tournament. These newly announced live broadcasts will be a refreshing slate of coverage welcomed by Samsung Gear VR users.
Currently, there are more than 4.51 million Gear VR headsets deployed around the world with a majority of people using mobile VR headsets. With this factor it makes it an attractable platform for companies to partner up and experiment with live-streaming their events in 360. While only 3 events were announced to be live-streamed in 360, there may be more in-store over the course of the summer.
Samsung has stated that live stream via Gear VR may vary by country and are subject to change. Live Pass will be available on the Gear VR at no cost. Stay tuned for the latest news in regards to Samsung’s plan with their newly announced Live Pass feature.