DirecTV’s First Virtual Reality App Takes Boxing Fans Ringside

DirecTV is taking a first stab at virtual reality (VR) with a new app that takes users ringside to a boxing fight.

BKB VR, as the app is being called, is being made available for Google Cardboard-based VR viewers, as well as the Samsung Gear VR headset. Cardboard users can download the app for Android phones on Google Play, and for iPhones on the App Store.

However, don’t expect any live boxing fights in VR just yet: BKB VR delivers pre-recorded highlights from a fight that happened earlier this summer, which was recorded in 360-degree video. In addition to the app, DirecTV is also making 360-degree footage of the fight available through Samsung’s Milk VR service.

BKB VR is meant to promote Big Knockout Boxing, a flavor of boxing that DirecTV developed for its Audience network. The app is just one of many that has recently been published to promote existing TV properties. In August, Discovery released its own VR app to promote some of its digital and TV talent.

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