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The BBC will show the Olympics in 360 virtual reality

Almost as good as being there. Almost...

The BBC will show the Olympics in 360 virtual reality
04 August 2016

You're right - spinning about in your living room with an iPhone stuck to your face in a cardboard box stuck to your face is nowhere near comparable with the delights of being in Rio de Janeiro.

But neither of us are sitting here with a ticket to the Olympic Stadium, are we? So this will have to do. 

The BBC Sport is launching a 360 "experimental service" to bring viewers closer to the action of the Rio Olympics. 

"There will be live 360 video footage of an event each day during the Games," states the Beeb, "with around 100 hours in total and a choice of up to four different camera angles, plus a daily 360 video highlights package."

Events set to be broadcast in 360 video include the opening and closing ceremonies ("Those Russians look a bit lean, don't they?"), athletics ("The 100 metres final is sta... oh it's finished..."), and a closer-than-ringside view of the boxing (okay, this one sounds legitimately amazing). 

The app, compatible with Android, iOS and Samsung VR, launches today - you can find it here:

Android

iOS

Gear VR

Here's a full list of the events the BBC will broadcast in 360 video

  • Friday, August 5, 0000-0330 - Opening Ceremony
  • Saturday, August 6, 1400-1750, 1930-2020, 0100-0450 - Beach Volleyball
  • Sunday, August 7, 1400-1750, 1930-2020, 0100-0450 - Beach Volleyball
  • Monday, August 8, 1500-1800, 2100-0000 - Boxing
  • Tuesday, August 9, 1500-1800, 2100-0000 - Boxing
  • Wednesday, August 10, 2000-2245 - Artistic Gymnastics
  • Thursday, August 11, 2000-2210 - Artistic Gymnastics
  • Friday, August 12, 1300-1930, 2100-2350 - Fencing
  • Saturday, August 13, 1330-1650 & 0000-0315 - Athletics
  • Sunday, August 14, 0020-0230 - Athletics
  • Monday, August 15, 1330-1610 & 0015-0250 - Athletics
  • Tuesday, August 16, 1330-1640 & 0015-0250 - Athletics
  • Wednesday, August 17, 0200-0505 - Beach Volleyball
  • Thursday, August 18, 0200-0505 - Beach Volleyball
  • Friday, August 19, 1930-2130 - Basketball (Men's SFs)
  • Saturday, August 20, 1500-1650 & 1930-2200 - Diving
  • Sunday, August 21, 1530-1730 & 1945-2205 - Basketball (Men's Finals)
  • Monday, August 22, 0000-0330 - Closing Ceremony