Com Hem experiments with virtual reality

Swedish operator Com Hem has developed a “virtual reality-based environment” for its online service Com Hem Play, as part of an experiment with VR technology.

Com Hem said Com Hem Play VR is a proof of concept development that is part of its aim to improve customers’ TV experience and explore new potential platforms.

Visitors attending the DreamHack Summer 2016 event in Jönköping, Sweden later this month will be able to try out the technology, which will allow them to watch Com Hem Play from a virtual living room environment.

The platform is designed for the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets.

“Com Hem Labs regularly tests new concepts that enable us to offer our customers the television of tomorrow. Some ideas never leave the concept stage, while others do,” said Emma Svalin Sahlman, director of operations at Com Hem.

“We will continue to develop Com Hem Play VR so that the platform is ready when the technology is ready to be launched to the consumers.

“We know that a few television networks have said that they intend to start producing VR material, but there is not much content available as yet. The technical aspect has to be resolved first which is why we are taking these measures and we plan to continue testing.”