Globosat, the satellite arm of Brazilian media giant Group Globo, is offering around 100 hours of Olympics coverage in Virtual Reality, viewable on a Samsung ‘Gear’ VR headset.

Globosat will supply the footage via its SporTV VR service to compatible Galaxy smartphones. Already available are the Opening Ceremony and during the Games clips will be showcased covering basketball, gymnastics, beach volleyball, gymnastics, fencing, ornamental jump and athletics. There will also be video packs with edited highlights of these sports.

André Varga, Product Director/Samsung’s Mobile Devices, commented: “We are delighted to work with Globosat in this unprecedented task, connecting the fans directly to the action in Rio through stories told in 360 °, virtual reality, and in our Galaxy phones.”

The agreement between Globo and Samsung is similar to that struck with NBC and where consumers can tap into footage on their Samsung Gear devices. NBC also tested the concept for the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympics.

“VR technology carries incredible potential for the sport broadcast industry, offering a truly immersive user experience,” said Olympic Broadcasting Services CEO Yiannis Exarchos. “VR has the power to enable hundreds of millions of people around the world to have a real sense of presence and participation in the most universal celebration of humanity, which is the Olympic Games.”

Samsung presented 12,500 Galaxy S7 ‘Edge’ limited edition smart phones to competing athletes at the weekend.

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