The Guardian is leading the way in something brand new and exciting, called virtual reality journalism. In 2016, the U.K based news distributor decided to look for a brand new way to distribute news to the public in a more exciting way, making use of the growing technology and interest in VR tech. Thus, The Guardian VR app was born. Available for download for both Android and iPhones, this innovative experience will let you live out some of the wackiest, wildest, and most surreal stories of the 21st century.
Here’s how it works: first, you’ll need to purchase either a Google Cardboard or Daydream headset. You can then open the app and insert it into the goggles, choosing which story or adventure you want to follow for the day. Their homepage displays some of the most popular experiences, including a tour of Patagonia, the subterranean levels of London, and you can even put yourself into the shoes of a street thug.
By opening journalism to a whole new spectrum such as VR, The Guardian is taking advances that let the average consumer experience incredible stories. We hear about the news all the time, watch it on the television, but what if we could experience it in real time? While the technology may not be fully developed for that just yet, The Guardian is certainly making progressive steps in what I hope to be an innovation that catches on to all news outlets.
