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London, UK – Thursday 25th August 2016: Samsung Electronics, Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category and proud partner of Team GB, hosted the world’s first live VR interviews from British House during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Using Samsung Galaxy S7 handsets coupled with Samsung Gear VR headsets, the interviews helped to bridge the 5,761 miles from London to Rio and provide the chance for media to join Sir Bradley Wiggins, Sir Steve Redgrave, Helen Glover and Becky James while they relaxed in British House, home of Team GB.
Participants were able to virtually step into Rio, providing the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere, receive behind the scenes access and interact with the athletes as if they were sat at the heart of the action. Until now, 360° live experiences have been based around the consumption of content, rather than a two-way interaction.
Russell Taylor, Samsung UK CMO said; “By combining our cutting edge mobile technology, a partnership with Team GB and our incredible Samsung School of Rio ambassadors, we created world first 360 experiences and exclusive content that took fans closer to the action in Rio.”
Sir Bradley Wiggins said, “It’s incredible to experience how technology can make you feel like you’re in the same room whilst thousands of miles apart. As someone who has spent a lot of time on the road, you can totally see the future potential for bringing people together.”
Helen Glover added, “Competing at Rio 2016 has been an unforgettable experience and it was so much fun to take part in a world first and share a part of my Rio experience with people back in the UK.”
Samsung has already unveiled an exclusive 360° tour of British House, giving fans an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of their Team GB heroes.
Ahead of the Games, Samsung released the School of Rio – a series of films featuring Jack Whitehall and a selection of talent from Team GB and Team Ireland. The films seek to give viewers a clearer understanding of the challenges and intricacies of succeeding at Olympic sports, helping them to enjoy level.
To find out more and keep up to date with the latest from the School of Rio follow @SamsungUK onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram or search #SchoolOfRio.
ENDS
About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games
Samsung began its Olympic Games involvement as a local sponsor of the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games. Beginning with the Nagano 1998 Olympic Winter Games, the company extended its commitment to the Olympic Movement as the Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category, providing its proprietary wireless communications platform, called Wireless Olympic Works (WOW), and mobile devices. These innovative mobile phone technologies provide the Olympic Family with real-time, user location-based information service, interactive communications, and Samsung Pay. Samsung hosts various Olympic campaigns to share the excitement of the Olympic Games with people around the world and enable everyone to participate in the Games through its innovative mobile technology. Samsung’s commitment as a Worldwide Olympic Partner continues through to Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, and Tokyo 2020.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, opening new possibilities for people everywhere through relentless innovation and discovery. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.