With the launch of its 5G services, LG UPlus would also introduce its VR device.
Ha Hyun-hwoi, CEO and Vice Chairman of LG Uplus announced that the company will produce virtual reality (VR) content in partnership with Google. The telecommunications arm of LG Group has been building a nationwide infrastructure for its fifth-generation (5G) network, and moreover, plans to offer the super-fast service for smartphones from March 2019.
With an intention to provide enjoyable content for its 5G network, LG has inked a deal to co-produce VR content and will distribute it via its own VR content platform app, scheduled to be launched soon.
Ha, LG Uplus, said, “As a telecommunications firm, building a nationwide infrastructure for our 5G network is a priority for us. After that, we need to have a service platform to offer VR or augmented reality (AR) content. The partnership with Google is in line with this plan.”
According to the terms of the deal, the two firms will co-invest in producing VR content. Moreover, LG will have distribution rights in Korea via its VR platform app, while Google will distribute it through YouTube.
Google is interested in producing 3D versions of K-pop content
Reportedly, LG Uplus has been expanding its media content service by launching a series of media apps such as Uplus Pro Baseball that allows users to watch replays of scoring moments while watching baseball games in real-time. It’s golf streaming app Uplus Golf and Uplus Idol that offers K-pop artists’ performances have also been well received. For its IPTV users, the firm also has been partnering with Netflix.
Stating that Google showed great interest in producing 3D versions of K-pop content, LG said the two sides reach a mutually beneficial deal.
Lee Sang-min, chief of the LG UPlus’ future and converged division, stated, “Google wants to remain achieving success in the era of 5G and LG Uplus wants to expand its contents lineups with VR content.” He added, “Google showed great interest in making 3D contents related to K-pop. As it is doing its business across the globe.”
A VR device in the pipeline
Lee said, “For the VR service, we need a device and platform. The content platform is almost ready to be made public, and we plan to introduce our VR device when launching commercial 5G service in March.”
Besides launching the VR content platform, LG said it is preparing to introduce its VR headset when the firm starts offering 5G services. LG reportedly filed a patent for its VR headset with the World Intellectual Property Organization and United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent document shows the VR headset features six cameras and haptic sensors to provide feedback when touching objects.
