BBC launches experimental VR app

The BBC has launched a virtual reality app for iOS and Android through its experimental BBC Taster division.

The BBC said that the free app will feature a range of content designed to “push the limits of virtual reality on mobile devices” – including animated VR, interactive 360° videos, dynamic binaural audio and branching narratives.

The corporation added that the app it is part of BBC Taster’s remit to put the BBC’s early and experimental ideas in the hands of audiences.

“BBC Taster VR will be a fantastic showcase for some brilliant new commissions, as well as some new takes on some of the best BBC Taster VR experiences to date,” said Andy Conroy, controller of BBC Research and Development.

“It gives audiences cutting-edge mobile VR experiences from the BBC and, crucially, gives our editorial and technical teams even greater insight.”

One of the first pieces of VR content to appear in the app is a trailer for upcoming BBC Three documentary about gun crime called One Deadly Weekend in America.

The app will also feature new interactive 360° content from nature series Planet Earth II, with more content promised “soon” from across the BBC.

The app was developed using technology from VR platform provider EEVO.