The Olympics may have wrapped but the action continues as the IOC has launched a new digital platform to deliver Olympic content on-demand. The Olympic Channel, available across all devices, will offer a range of sporting content including original shows, news and highlights.
It launches with the premiere of Viva 2016, an exclusive behind-the-scenes-look at the production of an Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. IOC president Thomas Bach said, “The launch of Olympic Channel is a key milestone for the Olympic Movement and a result of Olympic Agenda 2020…It is the start of an exciting, new journey for athletes, fans and new generations to connect with sport and the Olympic values every day of the year.’
For the first time, during the summer sports action in Rio, the Olympics were available in virtual reality. The BBC was streaming 100 hours of 360-degree video through a new app. By strapping on VR headsets that can hold a phone (Google Cardboard or the Samsung Gear VR) users were able to watch the games in a completely new way. it was the first time the BBC has broadcast live sport in VR.
In the US, NBC was showing 100 hours of virtual reality and 360-degree video programming using its new Sports app. Using the Samsung Gear and a Samsung phone users in the US were able to watch VR programming the day after the event took place.
OCTOPUS Newsroom reported intensive use of the Octopus Mobile App by journalists covering the games.
“Reporting from live sports events used to be one of the toughest assignments in the entire broadcast business,” comments OCTOPUS Newsroom sales director Gabriel Janko. “In a Rio context, Octopus Mobile App allows reporters to operate with mobile phones or tablet computers. Using a public communication network is also much easier and more flexible than having to establish a specific broadcast line for each reporter. During the Rio games, some Octopus customers were connecting remotely to the newsroom systems located at their primary headquarters.
The Octopus Mobile App will be demonstrated at IBC 2016 in Amsterdam, held between 9 and 13 September.
