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Samsung bringing VR to bedtime stories
Despite existing in one form or another for decades, ‘modern’ VR is still very much in its infancy and developers and consumers alike are busy dreaming up what ways the technology will change our daily lives in the future.
While gaming and entertainment are the most obvious things that come to mind, VR also has a lot of potential to bring people together in ways that go beyond traditional social networking, text messages, and even voice calls. The idea of future virtual living rooms populated by your friends and family might be a bit far off, but it’s not hard to imagine. Another area that Samsung feels VR could have a place is in how we interact with our children when away from home.
Samsung has revealed a new prototype app called Bedtime VR. As you might guess by the name, the idea here is to strap a VR headset on both the child and the parent, allowing the parent to read a bedtime story and interact with the child even if they aren’t physically able to be with them (business trips, divorce, etc). Interestingly enough, the parent utilizes a Gear VR but the child simply needs a Google Cardboard unit. This is a great move on Samsung’s part, as Cardboard is significantly cheaper than Gear VR and works with just about any Android mobile device.
You can hit up the video above to learn more about the ‘story’ and how the parent and child interact. As you can see, it’s certainly an interesting concept. That said, we find it a bit odd that Samsung and others have generally advised that VR is limited to older kids (usually around 10 to 12 years old) and yet this concept really seems to appeal more to little ones.
Samsung hasn’t revealed any solid plans on when this app experience will be available to the masses, though it’s only a matter of time we’re sure. What do you think of the idea, like it or not?
Interested in VR? Be sure to check out VR Source, our brand new sister site, a one-stop shop for all VR news!