Virtual Reality Apps Coming to Netflix, Hulu
Our Take:
Virtual reality is hot right now–and now, it’s coming to Netflix and Hulu. The platforms will launch virtual reality apps, Variety reports. Hulu is creating its own original VR content and Netflix has worked with Oculus VR to create its app. Interestingly, Oculus CTO John Carmack noted that working with Netflix has been on his priority list in order to make the VR headset a success, because he predicts that many people will use virtual reality for TV shows and films–not just gaming and alternate universes. Hulu’s app is coming this fall and will be able to be used with both 3D and 2D content. Meanwhile, in the cable world there isn’t a whole lot of virtual reality programming, but Discovery launched a VR site and CableLabs is working on VR services. Market analysts are saying that the VR market could grow from single digit millions in 2016 to billions of dollars by 2020, so you’re likely to see a lot more news in the space moving forward.
Virtual reality has picked up major supporters in Netflix and Hulu, which have announced plans to launch new virtual-reality apps that will give users a 3D way to explore content. In addition, Hulu said it will produce content and curate films for VR platforms, starting with a short film as a bonus feature for original series ” RocketJump: The Show.”