Lebron James (Photo : Twitter)
Lebron James' surprise Christmas gift for his fans was a 360-degree virtual reality short film available for download for the Samsung Gear VR. The 12-minute movie is titled "Striving for Greatness: An Uninterrupted Original." It follows the NBA superstar's daily training schedule as he prepares for the current professional season, and includes interviews with the Cleveland Cavaliers' franchise player and his basketball coaches.
The new Lebron James documentary on the VR headset is technically not in the virtual reality world, as the device's wearer cannot interact with objects or move around themselves. However, owners of Gear VR headsets can pan around the various shots.
People without the Oculus-Samsung device can use other methods to view the 360-video. They include James' Facebook page Uninterrupted, a video-diary project for athletes, according to Tech Times.
Parts of the 360-degree video had been posted on the Uninterrupted page. However, this is the first time the entire video has been available.
James' teaming up with Oculus and Samsung helps to promote the technology beyond the realm of gamers. It also helps to define James as a lifestyle brand rather than just a basketball player.
Google Cardboard also recently produced a New England Patriots video that allows users to have a virtual experience of football training, according to Engadget. It was launched by Bank of America and Visa.
Only Android owners can get a full VR experience of the Patriots video. However, 360-degree YouTube clips were also available for those without a Cardboard VR viewer who want to experience seeing Gillette Stadium from the field rather than fans' seats.
