With virtual reality now becoming more mainstream with the average tech consumer we are starting to see a handful of news companies, major tech corporations, and even filmmakers starting to incorporate VR (virtual reality) in their products and services. Content seems to be one of the biggest problems right now as VR headsets make their way into the public eye. Companies like Samsung, who has recently announced plans to open their own Virtual Reality studio in New York partnering with filmmaking company Sundance, have been working around the clock at trying to make more VR content available to the masses.
Last November, The New York Times joined the VR revolution making their own VR app giving its followers and subscribers a different way to view the news with a fun and more immersive way of storytelling. Available on the Google Play Store users can download the app directly to their smartphone where they can then use Google’s Cardboard VR headset to view VR films in their entirety. Among the select few of short films that have been uploaded in full 360 degrees of view to the NYT VR app, the newest of films features the current U.S presidential campaign in full virtual reality. The film which is called “The Contenders” lets you fully immerse yourself within the world of a political presidential candidate rally. The nearly nine-minute film gently glides through a series of presidential candidates switching from many different point-of-views giving you a first-hand look at what its feels like to stand in the crowd or better yet be within arms length of the next future president. Experience meeting Ted Cruz in a small diner or even chime in with the crowd chanting Donald Trump. Regardless of what political leader you follow, it’s nonetheless entertaining laying in your bed and immediately zooming into another city watching a political rally.
It’s worth mentioning that if you haven’t been one of the few lucky ones to snatch up a free Cardboard VR headset from Google or haven’t received one free of charge courtesy of being a New York Times subscriber then Google has many different versions of the VR headsets with fun designs for sale on its Cardboard VR site. If you don’t happen to have a Cardboard VR headset available at your disposal you can still view the short film in full 360 degrees on The New York Times website.