Big brands turn to VR apps for immersive customer experience
Two major brands, Qantas and realestate.com.au, have rolled out virtual reality apps offering life-like immersive experiences, a move that signals the future of marketing and the growing demand for an interactive relationship with customers.
Qantas viewers can now download a virtual reality app from Start VR for an interactive and exploratory travel experience, and also showcases the services offered by the airline. Realestate.com users, meanwhile, can explore and view properties in virtual reality thanks to the launch of realestate VR.
The Qantas travel application gives viewers a first-person perspective, providing a multi-sensory glimpse of a range of ‘choose-your-own’ experiences including an inflight experience; a front-row view of a Qantas A380 jet from the tarmac and cockpit; and a virtual tour of the airlines’ First Lounge at Los Angeles International airport.
Also featured are experiences such as embarking on a scuba diving excursion through the coral reef; a helicopter tour then sailing through Whitehaven beach; panoramic views while climbing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and transporting to Kakadu National Park on a sunset river cruise then delving into the watering holes at Maguk and Gunlom Falls, the company said.
“For the first time, we are able to share the story of Australia to an international audience in a way that is more intimate, engaging and interactive than we have been able to tell it before,” said Start VR CEO and creative director, Kain Tietzel. “The amazing audio and visuals offer international travellers to Australia a new insight into our culture, heritage and local stories,” he said, indicating additional videos will be added in the coming months.
The app hosts a ‘book now’ button for iOS and Android devices so viewers can transform their virtual journey into a reality by purchasing a flight to the featured destination directly from the app. There are two modes to the app: Split screen for those who have a compatible headset or Google Cardboard, and 2D landscape for viewing directly on a smartphone.
The Qantas VR app is now available for iOS, Android and virtual reality platforms including Google Cardboard, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
“Qantas has continued to prove its commitment to innovation with the Qantas VR app. The airline is among the first to leverage our Startgate VR publishing platform which is quickly becoming the standard tool for brands and content creators to build their own virtual reality experiences,” Tietzel added.
On the property front, users can explore and view properties in virtual reality thanks to the launch of ‘realestate’ VR by realestate.com.au, which is available in the Google Play Store for use on Daydream View, Google’s mobile VR headset and controller.
REA group chief inventor, Nigel Dalton, said the company is excited to be offering Australia’s first property app on Daydream, which will change the way people experience and interact with property.
“Virtual reality has the unique ability to give us back time, which is the most precious commodity we have. realestate VR will create time for everyone, whether that’s property seekers, agents or property managers.”
Follow CMO on Twitter: @CMOAustralia, take part in the CMO conversation on LinkedIn: CMO ANZ, join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CMOAustralia, or check us out on Google+:google.com/+CmoAu
The current global COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in unprecedented disruption to every aspect of our lives as marketing and brand professionals, from the ways we work, to how our organisations operate, and the way in which we acquire and engage customers. So we’ve drawn on our wonderful CMO50 alumni community to explore different aspects of the crisis facing all of us right now.
The current world pandemic, COVID-19, and its tragic effects has created different and challenging situations for nearly every business. Every business sector is affected differently, depending on the nature of what your place in the world, creating the most unique situation most of us have ever and will ever experience during our professional lives.
People whose personal details and experiences signal they come from racially diverse backgrounds are less likely than anglo or Caucasian candidates to make it through the first cut in recruitment processes. Even if the organisation says it values diversity.
The impact of coronavirus is far reaching with the true impact on the economy and businesses is unknown. While there are a few categories and brands experiencing growth, for the most part the crisis is wreaking havoc for large and small operators across many sectors including entertainment, tourism, retail, fitness, services and the list goes on.
Why these voice assistants are so popular nowadays? Maybe I should get one too? I am really curious.
Jill Kim
Aussie brands jump on voice-interaction bandwagon following Amazon Alexa's local launch
Your page is very helpful. Thank you for sharing with us
Eriona Ajvazi
10 brands making a positive difference to a world in crisis
Extremely insightful and well written. Thanks for the great article!
Nicole Brodie Nahum
Why COVID-19 makes it more important than ever to move at the speed of the consumer
Blockchain is one of the fastest growing technology in today's digital era. Industries like banking and finance are already using blockch...
Aniket Singh
Can blockchain deliver on its big advertising promises?
Great article Emma. So many gems in there. Awesome to have you in the team!
One Small Step Collective
Why COVID-19 makes it more important than ever to move at the speed of the consumer