3 brand new virtual reality experiences in action

Companies and brands are quickly embracing VR as a viable concept to captivate customers and take their experiences to the next level.

We take a look at the latest trio of fresh virtual reality offerings from Movieworld, NRL and Alibaba, set to boost engagement for sports lovers, shoppers and thrill seekers both locally and abroad.

Movie World’s 360-degree virtual reality roller coaster

For consumers who want to take their roller coaster ride to the next level, Warner Bros Movie World has unveiled the southern hemisphere’s first virtual reality roller coaster.

The new concept merges technology with the physical experience. Ride goers on the Arkham Asylum coaster can wear a special headset, which syncs the experience to the Barman storyline in 360 degree VR-enabled views, offering a new level of visual effects and multi-dimensional experience.

The ride is set to open in September in the Gold Coast and offers the new VR experience at speeds of up to 85km and 4.2Gs.

NRL’s virtual State of Origin

In an effort to add an innovative spark to Australia’s iconic game, the NRL has partnered with Samsung Australia to launch a VR-enabled State of Origin experience. The new offering means fans can experience the game in 360-degrees from the perspective of players and coaches.

NRL CEO, Todd Greenberg, said for a fan it will feel like being at ANZ Stadium and running out with the Blues in an Origin game.

“That speaks volumes about the sort of fan engagement that our sport is looking to do," Greenberg said. "We're putting fans in places they've never been before – on the sidelines and in the tunnel with the players. We're putting them in the best seat in the house and that's what we're about."

"I didn't know where to look at the start but then the Blues walked out of the tunnel and it felt like you were right there with them," NRL ambassador and former Origin player, Matt King, added. "I've never experienced anything like it and it's good for the NRL to be pioneering this kind of technology."

Alibaba Group’s virtual reality shopping experience

Just months after Ebay and Myer unveiled their new virtual reality store, Chinese ecommerce giant, Alibaba Group, has struck an agreement with Taobao to offer customers a new Buy+ shopping experience.

Making its debut at the inaugural Taobao Maker Festival held in Shanghai as a pilot test, the new technology is set to offer customers a 360-degree panoramic view of products during the shopping process in a customised ‘in-store’ environment.

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