Recently Sky launched their very own Virtual Reality app which is free do download on Android,iOS and Oculus so pretty much anyone can download the app which is quite good. The app has plenty of content available now and it will be interesting to see what Sky will bring to the fore in the coming months,no doubt being Sky we will not be disappointed.
Having used the app since its launch I was impressed with it anyway there is plenty of option available right now and the app had nice content featured at its launch.. Initially Sky had been testing this for some time and had been teasing us with it but finally now its here and you need to try it.
At launch there was the following available.
Star Wars: Red Carpet (Sky Cinema) – get closer to the red carpet at the premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Anthony Joshua: Becoming World Champion – see Anthony as you have never seen him before, as he becomes IBF world heavyweight champion
Disney – two VR experiences from The Jungle Book, enabling viewers to get up close and personal with King Louie and Kaa
Fox Innovation Lab – The Martian Sneak Peek – transports viewers to Mars to follow the film’s protagonist Mark Watney after he has been stranded on the planet
Warner Brothers – Suicide Squad: Squad 360 – viewers can see what it’s like being a member of the Suicide Squad during a scene from the film
Team Sky – Journey to the Tour – follow the team preparing for their third Tour de France
F1® – Team Williams – lets fans go behind the scenes of the Williams team, in the pit lane and in car viewing
Sky News – Calais: The Jungle – taking viewers to the centre of the refugee crisis with footage from inside ‘The Jungle’
Baobab Studios – Invasion – a VR animation about a duo of aliens aiming to take over the world, but needing to overcome two fearsome white bunny rabbits
Jaunt – Paul McCartney: Dance Tonight – Paul takes viewers through the charming creation story of this song, and its music video
The headset is simple to set up like any other cardboard offering out there today however this feels quite robust and as mentioned its literally a few seconds to get going, you can see how to in the video above..The absence to focus on these type of headsets is only obvious but in general they work well ,Once set up is complete you will need to download the apps which are linked below depending on what your device or platform is there is three available so anyone can basically avail of the app and give it a shot. If you are a VR fan you will enjoy what is there now and will be certainly looking forward to what is down the road, We certainly cant wait and we will update on any new content from Sky in the future…
Download the app below from the respective stores and enjoy…
Google have just launched a new VR-ish app which uses your devices gyroscope, As is we cant take 360 degree videos on our mobile phones to date but it will happen someday. This app is effectively VR and photos mashed up as they put it themselves.. To use the app you just wave your device in the air,tap the screen and repeat and so on you will pick it up petty quick,Probably not an app I will use much just yet but hey it is a cool concept..
Sprayscape is a quick hack using the phone’s gyroscope to take pictures on the inside of a 360-degree sphere. Just point your phone and tap the screen to spray faces, places, or anything else onto your canvas. Like what you’ve captured? Share your creations via a link and your friends can jump into your scapes and have a look around using their phones or even Google Cardboard.
Sprayscape maps the camera feed on a 360 degree sphere, using the Cardboard SDK to handle gyroscope data and the NatCam Unity plugin for precise camera control.
When you launch the app on your device it reminds you of Snapchat but you can share link easily via the app onto Facebook or email and you must be signed in with a Google Account.. Get it below from the store if you fancy trying it out… Or see Android Experiments for more
Last night we attended the Irish Launch of the much anticipated Sony PlaySation VR headset,Being big fans of VR here it was a great event in a great setting with plenty of demonstration units to boot ensuring plenty of fans and media alike could test out the latest VR headset to the market and it certainly has me sold after trying a few games it truly is an immersive experience and PS4 owners alike will not be disappointed given its got a €400 price-tag.. Unlike other competitors in the market offering this kind of experience which requires really expensive hardware if you’ve got a PS4 you are good to go…
Credit to joe.ie for featuring myself in the video
PS VR, which is compatible with the more than 40 million PS4 systems already inside consumers’ homes, arrives with a lineup of 30 games, including exclusive titles such as Rez Infinite (Monstars & Enhance Games), Batman™: Arkham VR (RockSteady and Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment), DRIVECLUB VR and RIGS Mechanized Combat League (SIE Worldwide Studios). In total, PS VR will have a library of approximately 50 games by the end of the year.
First up you can check out the set up here in the first video of the night where the event was held in Dublin City Centre…
As mentioned there was plenty of demonstration units available to give multiple people a chance to try the headset which did not leave you waiting long to take your turn.. There was also some nice snacks at hand and the staff where excellent and took time to speak to you and get your view on the product,we also did an interview with one of the other media outlets on site.
Next up Oisin gives us an overview of the set up and what is involved,this guy was excellent and spent some time with us giving us demos and talking us through the process and was there at hand should you need it,trust me some experiences did nearly make me fall off the seat.. This is really immersive… Having tried tested and now owning around some 20 VR headsets personally this is something you must try,with a good platform to build on and with gaming still very popular here in Ireland and all over the world they are setting off on the right foot…
“We are incredibly excited to bring virtual reality to PlayStation 4,” said Jim Ryan, President of Global Sales and Marketing, SIE and President of SIEE. “PSVR puts the player right in the centre of the action, immersing them in extraordinary new worlds. PS VR is a milestone in home entertainment and it very much needs to be experienced to be believed”
The headset itself is not so big nor is it cumbersome and fits comfortably around the head, but it does take getting a minute to comfort yourself with it and whilst holding the move its feels a bit weird holding them for the first time when you cant see a thing but Oisin was there to help out with the set up process and guide us through what needs to be done which after a few moments was easy and oh boy its a great experience…For me I kinda lost interest in gaming a few years ago probably due to age but this is on another level it’s simply a great experience and much better than anticipated..
PS VR delivers a sense of presence, where players feel as though they are physically inside the virtual world of a game. PS VR leverages state-of-the-art technologies, such as 360 degree head tracking, wide field of view, high refresh rates, and SIE’s own binaural 3D audio technology, to heighten the emotions gamers experience as they play and make them believe they’ve been transported to another world. By using peripherals such as PlayStation®Move Motion Controller, DUALSHOCK®4 Wireless Controller and the upcoming PS VR Aim Controller, players can explore virtual environments and intuitively interact with characters as if they are actually present in the world of a game. PS VR integrates a “Social Screen” feature that allows users who are not wearing the VR headset to see on the TV what the PS VR player is seeing in the headset, or to play alongside the VR player in supporting games.
Its the one and only @bazashmawy who told me he really likes this and he also enjoyed the night and was great to have a chat with him for a few minutes, Really nice guy..
Check out below some more clips of the action and then hop down to the image gallery below We tried out several of the games at hand but not all but the experience was fantastic overall and there will be one of these headset heading into techbuzz headquarters very soon..London Heist was probably my favourite where you get to sit beside a bad ass driver with quite a few rounds of magazines and a gun and fire to your hearts content shooting the baddies,this was really immersive and using the Move controllers to do things like you would in real life was an amazing experience. Any questions fire away in the comments section or hit us up on social at @techuzzireland and we will gladly answer any questions you may have. We would also like thank all involved with the event and it was a well run night it has to be said.. Dont forget this goes on sale this Thursday, 13th October. Check out Playstation VR for more.. If you pick one up feel free to send in your thoughts to us…
More to follow.
Games such as PLAYROOM VR (SIE WWS), which will be available as a free download to all PS VR owners, take advantage of this feature and demonstrate how PS VR can create unique multiplayer experiences when shared with friends and family.
PS VR will launch with a large and diverse lineup of first- and third-party games including EVE: Valkyrie (CCP Games), Thumper (Drool), 100ft Robot Golf (No Goblin), Job Simulator (Owlchemy Games), Superhypercube (Polytron), Battlezone (Rebellion), Eagle Flight (Ubisoft), Here They Lie™, PlayStation®VR WORLDS and Until Dawn™: Rush of Blood (SIE WWS).
With more than 230 developers and publishers*3 working on PS VR titles, the system’s games portfolio will continue to expand after launch with highly anticipated games including RESIDENT EVIL® 7 biohazard (Capcom Co., Ltd), ROBINSON: THE JOURNEY™ (Crytek), Star Wars™ Battlefront™ Rogue One: X-wing VR Mission (Electronic Arts Inc.)*4, Star Trek: Bridge Crew (Ubisoft)and Farpoint (SIE WWS). In addition to a best-in-class gaming lineup, there will be a variety of VR experiences and media applications coming to PS VR, including, Allumette (Penrose), Invasion! (Baobab), Kismet (PsyOp), Within, LittlStar, Vrideo, and The Martian (Fox).
Image gallery of the night
1 / 32
Irish gamers have the chance to be first to explore virtual reality gaming, with a pop-in gaming centre open for hands-on PlayStation®VR demos. The Dublin City Centre pop-up is open each day, Wednesday 13th to Sunday 16th October. Avid gamers or just the VR-curious can book a slot for PlayStation®VR demo on games including Battlezone, Rigs, VR Worlds, Headmaster and Eve Valkyrie. To book a slot go to: http://www.trypsvr.com. Walk in slots available and players must be over 12 years.
*1 SIEE Territories for launch on October 13th, 2016 include: UK, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Italy, Ireland, Austria, Switzerland,
Portugal, New Zealand, Poland, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Greece.
SIEE Territories for launch on January 24th,2017 include: Kuwait, Qatar, Bahraim, Oman, S Africa, Turkey & India, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria & Romania, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, Israel, Cyprus, Malta and Iceland
*2 Information as of October 13, 2016. Release titles may differ according to country/region. Release dates may be changed depending on individual titles.
*3 Number as of October 13, 2016.
*4 Star Wars™ Battlefront is required to play the mission
*5 Entertainment apps availability will vary by regions. Users are responsible for applicable service fees.
Perhaps something more for the kids but nonetheless its quite good if you are into Dinosaurs.. You can hop on a prehistoric creature and go for a ride and if you look down its quite impressive also the scenery is nice and at one stage a big whale jumps out of the sea when you just come to the edge of the cliff which is a nice touch… Jurassic VR has been a Virtual Reality sensation with a massive 3 million downloads to its credit,can this live up to it too???
Features
– Fly a Dinosaur (Pterosaurs)
– Ride (joyride) a Dinosaur
– Huge dinosaur island to explore
– Visit the prehistoric museum
– Many dinos such as Tyrannosaurus(T-Rex), Diplodocus, Pentaceratops, and many more
– Dinosaur simulator allow up-and-close live interaction
– Supports VR Google Cardboard and touch non-VR play
Download this free VR game and travel back in time to the prehistoric times where you can roam the earth observing dinosaurs in a full 360 VR experience. Jump on the back of a Pterosaurs flying dinosaur and see how it is to fly such a huge creature; or hop on the back for a joyride on a Raptor and see how they lived their daily live. Watch out as you might run into a T-Rex along the way!
Want to inspect a dino up close? Take a trip to the museum where you have 5 halls filled with dinosaurs and a cool 360 video simulator that allows you to inspect interactive dino’s up close. A bit to scared to fly a dino then the simulation mode is an excellent way for players to ease into the prehistoric world.
Over the last few months we have seen the rise in apps that can let people see a particular country in VR which you can do from the comfort of your own couch, No it aint the same as visiting the said region but an approach that is been used taking advantage of the technology and one that seems to be popular which allows people to virtual visit somewhere before they go and get some kind of idea of what is in store to some extent…
New Caledonia VR app lets you Experience the pristine clear waters of the Oro Pool on the Isle of Pines, check out the Noumea Markets, fly over the mesmerizing Heart of Voh or say hello to the French cowboys of New Caledonia
New Caledonia is such a unique place. In the heart of the Pacific, French and Melanesian, perfect for relaxing and great for adventure lovers, cosmopolitan streetscapes and jaw-dropping landscapes… So much contrasts in one small territory, we decided to bring it to life for you through this exciting app.
Using this app and your Google Cardboard glasses, truly immerse in the many worlds of New Caledonia through a series of 360º videos. Meet our local guides who share their best kept secrets. Experience some of the most iconic spots around New Caledonia. The more you watch, the more content you unlock.
The app is 764 MB on iOS and 436 MB on Android so be sure to your use Wi-Fi if you have a limited data allowance.. You can also check out their Website if you prefer to do so…
Another week another VR headset to check out.. This time around its the Spaceout VR viewer from spaceoutvr.com which we thank for sending over. We will also check out their app which is somewhat different to the regular VR apps..
The headset itself is actually one of the most comfortable ones I have used in recent time,its lightweight and even that bit smaller too which is excellent.The build quality too is also good its robust and to set up its simple with easy controls to set focus and so on…
The packaging it comes in is quite nice,boxed with information on the outside and safety notices right off the bat which is good to see also giving some information on what you can enjoy what devices are compatible which most common devices would be that can be used for VR or google cardboard purposes… In short presentation is good.
Contents
After opening the box we will find nicely secured is the headset itself alongside the head-strap,lens cloth,instructions and a glare shield,this is something I have not seen before but its there…. There is a small compartment at end of box for the smaller items..
Setting up the headset is simple and nobody will have any difficulty in doing so,once you download the app you are good to go,You dont need to use their own app specifically for this headset it will work on any device thats compatible to view cardboard apps. Links for both apps down below..
The headset comes with a nice head-strap which is also comfortable this is then attached on top and on the sides like most headsets are today there is nothing difficult here at all.. This literally takes one minute or less to get it set to your own needs…
Take a look at our Unboxing here of the VR headset for the rest.
Ok so after that you will need to install the app if not done so already….. Links down below…
2) Disable portrait orientation lock.
3) Wifi & headphones recommended.
4) Rotate your phone into landscape mode.
5) Place your phone into a VR viewer.
6) You will see a “WELCOME” – follow tutorial.
7) Explore the World.
8) Enter “Rhythm.VR”.
9) Navigate the UI to select music (local, soundcloud or microphone).
10) Glance over to the left try HEADBANGERZ.
11) Always navigate back to the UI by looking down and finding the home or the 3 dots.
The fun can now begin.. On using this app for a few days this changes how we look at music though this being a visual treat somewhat reminding me of a kaleidoscope or some visual graphic equaliser we can often find on a smartphone it allows you to sink in,somehow it draws you in if I may say so… The app allowed access all of my files on my device which was good and not restricted you will find yourself checking out more tracks than you think on using the app at first. Yes you can change the patterns displayed as you go on.. Its a bit trippy…
Music File Types supported: + AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
On loading the app up you will be greeted with a display of options to choose from. VRADS TRY ME,SPACEOUT VR,RHYTHM VR,POWWOW VR (Coming soon) VISION VR Information and there is points of interest mapped out around the world which you simply just hold the headset on to find out more just like any other headset does.There is lots to see and do in this app which is great and will appeal to many, particular the music lover. The UI is clean and simple and looks great to boot and hows its presented…
IMAGE GALLERY
You can also play games on the headset which is where one thing had me flummoxed for a moment which was the key on the left handside of the headset which turns out to be a shooter trigger for playing games like Duckhunt or Sniper which is what we tried and it seems to work well as Dennis from Spaceout tells me At Spaceout.VR we don’t believe in buttons or controllers just gaze navigation for our App!
Which of course turns out to be true…
Headset
Cushion to secure phone
Front view
Adjustable slider A
Adjustable slider B
Trigger button
Trigger/Left side
Bottom view
Lens
Closed view
Right side
Front view
Overview
App logo
Padding A
Padding B
Padding C
Overall thoughts on the app and headset..
The app is a great idea and different than the norm not something you would expect to be honest but once settled in you will enjoy it.. You might need to adjust to it if you are new to VR you could get a tad dizzy but for VR fans out there you will be just fine there should not be any issues.. The headset itself is excellent, I have tried quite a few over the last few months and this is really really comfortable and light and can be worn for long periods of time without discomfort which is a great thing to have as the game is constantly been raised by manufacturers out there and again with price it is a fair price to pay for such comfort and good quality….
Sky have been teasing this for the last few months and its now finally available on both Android and iOS for free and for the foreseeable future it will remain free according to Sky.. You can also watch it on your Ger VR and Oculus Rift which is excellent.. So far the app looks great…..
The app, available now for anyone to download for free, showcases a range of immersive, 360-degree videos from Sky, and the best content from Sky’s partners including Star Wars: Red Carpet, Anthony Joshua: Becoming World Champion and clips from Disney’s The Jungle Book.
Gary Davey, Managing Director, Content at Sky, commented: “Interest in VR content is building, generating more excitement every day. We are just at the beginning of our VR journey at Sky, launching Sky VR studios earlier this year and we are already breaking new ground. Now comes the creative challenge of deploying this immersive experience with engaging story-telling. I am a big believer.”
Stephen Nuttall, Senior Director at Google and YouTube, says: “Great storytelling from Sky, in VR, for free on YouTube, and all accessible through Google Cardboard – a winning combination! Whether you’re passionate for sports or Beckham (or both!), this great partnership enables wonderful VR experiences for all to enjoy.”
Content highlights in the app at launch include:
Star Wars: Red Carpet (Sky Cinema) – get closer to the red carpet at the premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Anthony Joshua: Becoming World Champion – see Anthony as you have never seen him before, as he becomes IBF world heavyweight champion
Disney – two VR experiences from The Jungle Book, enabling viewers to get up close and personal with King Louie and Kaa
Fox Innovation Lab – The Martian Sneak Peek – transports viewers to Mars to follow the film’s protagonist Mark Watney after he has been stranded on the planet
Warner Brothers – Suicide Squad: Squad 360 – viewers can see what it’s like being a member of the Suicide Squad during a scene from the film
Team Sky – Journey to the Tour – follow the team preparing for their third Tour de France
F1® – Team Williams – lets fans go behind the scenes of the Williams team, in the pit lane and in car viewing
Sky News – Calais: The Jungle – taking viewers to the centre of the refugee crisis with footage from inside ‘The Jungle’
Baobab Studios – Invasion – a VR animation about a duo of aliens aiming to take over the world, but needing to overcome two fearsome white bunny rabbits
Jaunt – Paul McCartney: Dance Tonight – Paul takes viewers through the charming creation story of this song, and its music video
On testing the app there tonight its quite nice it must be said and being a big VR fan here with around 20 headsets at hand (We will have to just get an Official Sky one next) hint hint, its a welcome addition for fans to check out.. On starting the app you can have the choice of watching it either on your mobile device or using Goggle Cardboard. As always the best option is a headset of choice and a good pair of headphones.. There is a nice selection of content to begging here and I look forward to see what the future here will be like,Its Sky we cant be disappointed …
If you are a fan of tanks or anything World War 1 related this app is for you.. Launched to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the first use of the tank on the battlefields of WW1, Tank 100 brings brings an Augmented Reality WW1 Tank experience to mobile phones and tablets. Alongside this AR experience the app allows users to view the latest World of Tanks 360 virtual reality films as well as a history of the development of the tank. The app is available now free on Android and iOS…
The fascinating history of the early development of the tank has been produced in association with The Tank Museum, Bovington, UK – one of the world’s leading museums of tanks and armoured warfare.
App features
3D Tank Model – Users can place a tank onto a map and see a life size model virtually appear on their mobile. You can then snap a photo of your tank and share!
Tank AR – by downloading a World of Tanks image, users can make a miniature 3D model appear on their desktop!
360 VR films – The App showcases incredible Wargaming.net 360 tank films – including live and computer generated tank action.
History of the Tank – History of the tank in association with the Tank Museum, Bovington, from the earliest designs to the Battlefields of WW1.
Samsung Ireland and to be exact Samsung UK are offering a Free gear VR with a new purchase of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge right now. Considered the cost of the S7 Edge personally it should come free, Samsung could have done with offering this to upcoming S7 owners too to sweeten the deal and get more people with VR headset in their hands. The headset will cost you around €99 outside any offer,You must buy the device in-store or on-line from Samsung between now and the 15th of October…. This is the best bit of kit to get immersive with and for the money its a good spend going forward..
