Today, the 36-year
old Melvin Smitter from Wormerveer and a number of Vodafone customers dived
with real South African white sharks in the Amsterdam Marnix swimming pool. This
was made possible by watertight VR goggles and a 360 degrees video stream. It
was the first time ever that this technique was being used. By transforming the
signal into a Wi-Fi signal that was transmitted to the watertight VR goggles by
a conductor in the water, the underwater stream was made possible by Vodafone.
"I have been
fascinated by sharks for 30 years," says shark fanatic Melvin Smitter.
"That I could take such a close look at them today, to see the sharks
swim, was beyond my wildest dreams. In South Africa you dive in a protective cage,
I was allowed to mingle with these hunters in a virtual way without any
protection."
With this project Vodafone
wants to inspire and invite everyone to discover new things by using the latest
technologies. Thanks to the first watertight VR goggles you experience in a lifelike
way, albeit in a virtual world, what it is like to swim with these mighty
hunters without a cage.
"With this
unique experience Vodafone demonstrates how technology of the future brings
dreams and new experiences closer than ever to becoming a reality thanks to the
Vodafone network," says Laura van Gestel, Manager Commercial
Communications Vodafone. "By enabling customers to actually experience
this technique, they really understand the benefits of innovation."
In the infographic below
the technique behind the project is explained in detail.
The dive with the
virtual sharks was overseen by the South African research team of the social
enterprise White Shark Project. An organization that enables diving with and
research into white sharks. They guided the participants during this unique
underwater experience. In addition they explained the white shark's behaviour
and the research conducted by the White Shark Project into these fascinating
animals.
The 360 degree livestream is available on http://www.vodafone.nl/ready.
