It’s either a sign that virtual reality has reached maximum hype or that the federal government genuinely thinks the immersive technology is the future.
A new 360 degree video featuring President Barack Obama on a recent trip to Yosemite National Park premiered on Thursday. In the film, he talks about some of Yosemite’s history and shows off its spectacular waterfalls, granite cliffs, and giant sequoias.
Facebook’s (FB) Oculus VR business unit, National Geographic, and VR studio Felix & Paul Studios teamed up on the 10 minute production, Through the Ages: President Obama Celebrates America’s National Parks.
Owners of the Samsung Gear VR headset can download the video Oculus Store, but Oculus Rift owners will have to wait. Facebook and National Geographic did not say when the video will be available to Oculus Rift owners, only that it’s coming soon.
People without compatible VR headsets will have to watch the video through their web browsers on either the White House’s website or directly from National Geographic’s Facebook page. Although the video won’t surround browser viewers in full 360 degrees like it would using a headset, they can use their mice to click around and change the viewing perspective.
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The film opens with President Obama talking about the history of Yosemite National Park and how important it has been to previous presidents like Abraham Lincoln. He quotes the President Teddy Roosevelt, who once referred to the collection of sequoias as “a temple grander than any human architect could possibly build.”
Viewers are then taken to various groves and meadows in Yosemite along with a lazy canoe ride down the Merced River. All the while, President Obama sounds off on the importance of Yosemite while making sure to mention his administration’s conservation efforts and education initiatives designed to spur children’s’ interests in national parks.
Like much VR content currently being produced, it’s essentially a marketing video by the federal government to showcase one of America’s most popular natural destinations as well as the Obama Administration’s efforts to promote environmentalism.
Although VR is hot with investors right now, the technology is still in its early stage in terms of mainstream consumer adoption. That’s partly why companies like Disney (DIS) and Sony have been dipping their toes in VR by creating VR marketing films to accompany their summer movies.
For more about virtual reality, watch:
Investing in VR marketing content is less risky from a financial perspective than long-form films. If more people buy VR headsets, like the HTC Vive or upcoming Sony VR headset, more film producers are likely to produce VR films available that are more than marketing.
