The New York Times has entered the virtual reality world with the launch of NYT VR, a virtual reality project with Google. To kick things off, the Times will send more than 1 million subscribers Google Cardboard viewers with their copy of the Times weekend edition on Nov. 7 and 8. (FishbowlNY)
Google Cardboard devices are low cost headsets that facilitate the virtual reality experience via smart phones. A select number of digital subscribers will receive a promo code to redeem one of the viewers. Users without Google Cardboard can use the new NYT VR app or YouTube to get a feel for the virtual reality experience. The Times’ debut virtual reality film, The Displaced, is about children caught up in the global refugee crisis. Another film will debut in December, followed by more in 2016. (Politico Media)
Films from GE and Mini will premiere on the app. GE’s film was created by the the Times’ in-house agency, T Brand Studio, in conjunction with Framestore, and will tell “a story of how design in industry and technology takes cues from nature,” the company said in a release. (AdAge)
The Times’ NYT VR app, which it developed in partnership with virtual reality studio IM360, will become available to Apple and Android users on Nov. 5. (HuffPost)