USA TODAY has been a prominent figure in the creation of immersive content having created virtual reality (VR) news show VRtually There and livestreaming the Presidential inauguration. This week sees the network release its latest project, a fusion of 360-degree storytelling with VR interactivity aboard the USS Eisenhower.
USS Eisenhower VR transports viewers into the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on board the aircraft carrier during one of the biggest combat training exercises in recent Navy history, allowing users to freely explore stories via an detailed scale representation of the ship.
“USS Eisenhower VR” showcases the amazing visuals and human drama of an aircraft carrier in a totally new way. Audiences can launch off the deck in an F-18, explore the control tower and hangar, and meet the sailors who make it all happen. The 360-degree scenes are unprecedented. It’s the most ambitious reflection yet of our ongoing commitment to telling amazing stories in VR,” said Robert Padavick, Director of VR / 360-degree video, USA TODAY NETWORK in a statement.
With filming taking place over three days aboard the USS Eisenhower, USA TODAY NETWORK partnered with Nokia to film flight operations using its OZO camera. Crews also captured scenes in the cockpit of a F-18, in helicopters during a major resupply operation, and below deck. Interviews with commanders, pilots, and sailors reveal the drama of an aircraft carrier before deployment.
The fully interactive Eisenhower VR experience can be found on Viveport for HTC Vive. There’s an interactive version available on Google Daydream through USA TODAY’s “VR Stories” app, plus 360-degree videos on USA TODAY’s YouTube and Facebook channels, and within the Littlstar app for Samsung Gear VR and PlayStation VR.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of USA TODAY, reporting back with the latest announcements.
via Mint VR