BBC to offer virtual reality coverage of Olympics

The BBC is to offer up to 100 hours of live and on-demand virtual reality coverage of the Rio Olympic Games via its BBC Sport 360 app.

Users of the service will need to download the standalone app and purchase a virtual reality viewer. The BBC said it would make 100 hours of VR content available and provide multi-camera coverage to enable viewers to watch the games from different perspectives.

The broadcasters will produce a daily 360° video highlights package of the previous day’s events. Viewers will have the ability to share content with other BBC Sport 360 users. Other features include notifications of when a live event is starting.

The service requires Android 4.1, iOS 8.0 or higher. According to the BBC, the 360° content can be viewed on a wide range of low-cost VR viewers starting at about £20. Viewers can also view 360° content on their desktop computers via the BBC Taster website.

The pubcaster will provide 360° coverage of the opening ceremony, beach volleyball, boxing, artistic gymnastics, athletics, diving and the closing ceremony.