Samsung, MLB Partnership Brings Fans Closer To Game Through VR


The Cleveland Indians received their American League Championship rings on April 11, and you didn’t need a ticket to see it up close. As part of Samsung and Major League Baseball’s partnership fans will be able to witness key moments throughout the 2017 season in virtual reality.

Through the Samsung VR app fans will have access to more than 20 videos, giving them a first-hand look at various moments during the season. The content will provide access to stadiums and players in ways never before seen. Say for example the opening day at SunTrust Park, the brand new home of the Atlanta Braves. Samsung’s Gear 360 cameras captured footage from locations around the park — including a cockpit view of the flyover during the national anthem. It was a co-production from Samsung and MLB Advanced Media.

“Through our partnership with MLB, we’re taking sports entertainment to a new level as we continue to explore what’s possible with VR,” Samsung Electronics America’s VP of content & services Michael Schmier said in a statement. “Now, with Samsung Gear VR, fans all over the world will be transported right into the action, gaining engaging access to baseball’s most exciting competitors, moments and ballparks, no matter where they are.”

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To gain a fully-immersive experience users can wear the Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus headset while watching on the app. As the season rolls on more content will be added including exciting moments from the All-Star game, playoffs and even the World Series. Some content will include interactive elements including stats and fun facts.

This continues MLB’s use of VR as they recently announced a weekly stream of a game via Intel True VR.