Samsung and NBC partner up to deliver 85 hours of Rio Olympics in VR

For Samsung Gear VR owners, the Rio Olympics will be more immersive than ever with 85 hours of VR programming from NBC.

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I recently wrote about popular stock photo company Getty creating their own VR group and breaking it in by sending their photographers to the 2016 Rio Olympics. Well, Samsung and NBC are delivering the kind of Olympics experience we VR enthusiasts have all been craving: 85 hours of sportsing awesomeness viewable in virtual reality.

Samsung and NBC partner up to deliver 85 hours of Rio Olympics in VR | TweakTown.com

"The world's greatest sporting event is always a showcase for cutting edge technology, and we're thrilled to partner with Samsung and OBS to bring our viewers even closer to compelling Olympic action with virtual reality," said Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics. "Olympic fans can be transported to iconic venues such as Maracana Stadium for an unprecedented view of the Opening Ceremony, and Copacabana Beach for an immersive beach volleyball experience in the sport's ultimate setting."

The 85 hours of content will be viewable exclusively on Samsung phones compatible with the Gear VR headset (Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note 5), via the NBC Sports app. As for the specifics of the programming, we'll be treated to the opening and closing ceremonies, men's basketball (including the semifinals and final), gymnastics, track & field, beach volleyball, diving, boxing, and fencing.

This is honestly a dream come true for me, as I doubt I'll never be able to afford the cost of traveling to and attending the Olympics. But thanks to VR, I can experience the event in a way that's infinitely more immersive than watching it on television.

And as my Steven so accurately put it: "It's all the fun of the Olympics, without the Zika! Or poverty! Or crime! Or murders!"

Next up: Virtual reality sideline seats at Superbowl 51?

Jason has been creating compelling content for the internet since 2004, beginning with the award-winning Insomnia Radio Network. More recently, his writing has graced the virtual pages of Forbes and PCWorld. Jason has built up his community by approaching tech coverage from a fun and conversational vantage point, with the goal of making it both educational and entertaining. In 2014 the magical, transformative power of modern virtual reality captivated him, and he's been hopelessly in love with the platform ever since. As TweakTown's resident VR Editor and evangelist, Jason brings his unique voice and experience to the table to add another exciting dimension to an already robust destination.

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