Apple and Irish band U2 collaborated on a 360-degree U2 music video produced by Vrse App, a platform for original VR content. The U2's "Song for Someone" music video is Apple's first experiment in mixing VR and music videos.
Apple, in collaboration with U2, also created "The Experience Bus" to allow the fans who don't own VR headsets to enjoy the virtual reality music video. The bus equipped with Oculus headsets and Beat Solo headphones put fans on the virtual stage alongside Bono, The Edge and the rest of the members as they perform the song.
According to U2 fansite @U2, The Experience Bus is a double-decker with VR booths upstairs. The fans can interact with U2 as if they're standing on the e-stage with the band while they perform. They also can see other fans singing the song too.
The Experience Bus will be available on U2's Europe tour including the first two shows in London, all of four shows in Paris and the last two shows in Dublin.
The video also available on Vrse App on iPhone, Android, or Samsung Gear. The Vrse App will give VR experience through 360-degree video. The app is available for download on the App Store, the Google Play Store, the Gear VR Store and through the Google Cardboard app.
This is not the first time the iPhone maker has teamed up with U2. The band's silhouettes graced some of the iPod adverts. Even the band members' signatures were physically etched onto the back of special edition iPods.
The tech giant also has continued to be a major supporter of Bono's charity, as reported on Techcrunch. With Apple's help, the charity has raised about $320 million to help treat and prevent the spread of AIDS.
Last year, Apple joined U2 to give out the group's latest album "Song of Innocence" for free to all iTunes users. The gift was backfired with many of 26 million people who downloaded the album angered by the promotion.
The latest collaboration on U2's VR music video is only one of Apple's programs on virtual reality. According to Digital Trends, the company patented a new headset that seems to be similar to Samsung Gear VR. And few moths ago, Apple required augmented reality company Metaio.
Other tech companies that are interested in developing VR technology include Facebook with its Oculus Rift headset that will be launched next year, Sony and HTC with PlayStation VR and Vive VR headsets, Google with its Cardboard, Samsung with its Gear VR, and Microsoft with Oculus Rift's Xbox One and HoloLens.
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