Yet another major media company has hopped aboard the fast moving train that is 360-degree video positioned as virtual reality, and this time it's Showtime.
The company has released an immersive video version of the fight it broadcast on Saturday between Daniel "The Miracle Man" Jacobs and Peter Quillin. Spoiler alert: Jacobs wins by technical knockout in the first round, which you can view from a ringside seat.
[seealso slug="google-virtual-exhibitions"]
Showtime says this is the first time a full professional boxing match has been presented in VR.
Despite the innovative attempt by the cable network, the execution isn't the greatest. On the YouTube version of the video we're only shown one camera angle that really doesn't put you in the middle of the action (there may be more angles available in the app version).
Granted, it's much harder to put a camera in the middle of a fast moving, violent boxing match, but next time they might try suspending a 360-degree camera over the middle of the ring as a prime alternate camera angle.
You can watch the fight on YouTube (which allows you to move the view around in 360 view) or through Google Cardboard or on the Samsung Gear VR via the Milk VR app.
Although the quality of experiences vary, offering immersive, 360-degree video is slowly beginning to gain traction in the sports world. About a month ago, the NBA live-streamed a Golden State Warriors game in 360-degree video to mostly positive reviews.
As for the future of the format with Showtime, the company says it has plans to explore more opportunities with 360-degree video in the future.