Space Cadet…in the office!

I've been fortunate enough to help launch the Samsung Galaxy S7 across three territories (UK, MEA & Australia). So when I recently had the opportunity to immerse myself in a virtual world with the S7 edge and Gear VR I got pretty excited. 

It was the first time I've experienced virtual reality. Going into it I was slightly skeptical, as I’d been writing so highly of it without ever using one. It didn't disappoint.

I was instantly sucked in, so much so I forgot where I was. In the virtual world, I was floating around in space, studying far away galaxies and watching shooting stars. In reality, I was looking around like a moron while colleagues filmed my reaction for shits and giggles.

It’s crazy to think that VR is only in its primitive stages. In a few years (if it catches on) it will be a game changer in terms of how we view and interact with content. I predict that online gaming will be the area where it will truly thrive, both playing and watching. I can imagine a global audience tuning into gaming events, watching their favourite gamethletes via headsets from the comfort of their sofa. And if you think that sounds stupid, then you’re living in the past.

Last year, the League of Legends (yes, that's an online multiplayer game) championship final was played in South Korea, in a stadium built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. 40,000 people watched live in the stadium, while a worldwide audience of 27,000,000 tuned in online. Gaming events are fast becoming a very lucrative channel for marketers.

This not only applies to gaming events but also to major sporting events and music gigs, with VR ticket sales actually becoming a thing. If you already have a headset you can get buy a VIP VR pass to this year's Coachella Festival. You can check it out here.

On a more practical note, it’s already being used for training purposes. Putting the viewer in ‘real’ situations without any real consequences. Imagine a first aid course where a virtual life hangs in the balance, where your decisions affect the outcome. There’s no doubt you’d learn quicker.

That could be applied to a number of training exercises – such as medical surgeries, crisis training for a natural disaster or terrorist attack, rescue missions and even surviving a zombie apocalypse. The possibilities are endless.

Another thing I’d love to see become a reality is 360° films. Although filmmakers may disagree - as the narrative flows seamlessly thanks to camera placement. They’d argue ‘how would the audience know where to look?’

Well, let video games lead by example, they give the player visual and audio clues to suggest where to look. But ultimately it's down to the player. Meaning the viewer can decide how to watch the film. 

This means that you could potentially watch the same film three or four times, discovering something new every time. And depending on where you focus your attention you could find hidden Easter Eggs. Suddenly you've changed the dynamic of film. You'll no doubt find yourself telling the next generation that you remember watching two-dimensional films...

With 360° cameras becoming widely available, social media platforms will change as more people start sharing their own 360° content. If you missed a mate's wedding, no worries. You can stand right there with them inside their photographs. It’s going to change the way we stalk people on Facebook.

And finally, 360° porn will no doubt leave many blokes caught with their trousers down. Literally.

Welcome to the future.