The CNNVR 360° video platform is available on mobile apps and web.
Following in the footsteps of the New York Times’ launch of their 360° video platform, The Daily 360, CNN has announced a new immersive journalism unit and platform of their own.
Dubbed CNNVR, the initiative will cover major news events from around the world with 360° video, transporting you into the news that matters. The media company is featuring a running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain 360° video to kick things off.
Aside from VR live streams and weekly 360° video content, CNN is also pushing further into VR with a “new virtual reality platform.” This means that CNN’s mobile apps now support 360° video natively, making the app the third largest mobile VR app according to the company, behind Facebook and YouTube.
The same content will also be viewable on their website at CNN.com/VR, which already features a handful of videos, taking you into Aleppo, Syria or visiting an animal sanctuary in Colorado.
Over the past couple years, CNN has been experimenting with VR, producing more than 50 immersive videos, including live streaming the Democratic Debate back in 2015. CNN also recently launched a VR app on Google’s Daydream headset, so we can only assume that other VR platforms are not far behind.
And just like the New York Times who is also empowering journalists to tell stories in this new medium, immersive journalism is a win for everyone and our favorite use of the technology. Unless of course you’re President Trump who put both these media companies on your naughty list. Fake immersive journalism anyone?
Image Credit: CNN
