One of the most interesting, and also most compute-intensive use case for 5G networks is virtual reality, and aiming to further accelerate the leadership it claims in 5G, Korean operator SK Telecom has launched a new VR service enabling users to perform diverse activities, such as watching video.
The operator sees its new 5G-based Virtual Social World as a potential driver of the popularisation of VR services, allowing multiple users to engage in diverse activities and create contents in a virtual space. One such application is the ability for users to watch VR films within their dedicated virtual rooms. Users can also socialise with others in seven different VR spaces such as club, café, concert hall and office, using voice/text/chat services and sharing status updates.
Virtual Social World can be accessed by users of Oculus Go or Gear VR through the Jump VR app, which can be downloaded from Oculus Store for free, immediately. In the first half of 2020, SK Telecom plans to provide the service in many different languages for international users, while offering a version for smartphone users to play Virtual Social World without a VR device.
To accelerate the spread of Virtual Social World, SK Telecom has signed a partnership with Facebook to launch Oculus Go, a portable, all-in-one VR headset that removes the need for smartphones or PCs, in Korea. The company is offering a bundled deal, which includes Oculus Go and VR content. Going forward, the company plans to shape Virtual Social World into a cross platform that allows users to access the virtual space through any device including augmented reality glasses.
“SK Telecom is working closely with platform companies and content developers of both home and abroad to build a virtual world for users throughout the globe,” commented Jeon Jin-soo, vice president and head of the company’s 5GX service business division. “Through Virtual Social World, we will provide our customers with a hyper-immersive experience optimised for the 5G era, while opening up new VR markets with our partners.”
Virtual Social World can be accessed by users of Oculus Go or Gear VR through the Jump VR app, which can be downloaded from Oculus Store for free, immediately. In the first half of 2020, SK Telecom plans to provide the service in many different languages for international users, while offering a version for smartphone users to play Virtual Social World without a VR device.
To accelerate the spread of Virtual Social World, SK Telecom has signed a partnership with Facebook to launch Oculus Go, a portable, all-in-one VR headset that removes the need for smartphones or PCs, in Korea. The company is offering a bundled deal, which includes Oculus Go and VR content. Going forward, the company plans to shape Virtual Social World into a cross platform that allows users to access the virtual space through any device including augmented reality glasses.
“SK Telecom is working closely with platform companies and content developers of both home and abroad to build a virtual world for users throughout the globe,” commented Jeon Jin-soo, vice president and head of the company’s 5GX service business division. “Through Virtual Social World, we will provide our customers with a hyper-immersive experience optimised for the 5G era, while opening up new VR markets with our partners.”
