If you’ve spent any time watching the news, you’ll probably have noticed that journalism in the traditional sense is under serious threat. Newspapers are closing down, or being moved into online-only organisations, and even a lot of serious news stories on the television are being practically ignored in favour of more positive news. Social sites are having much more of an impact than traditional news when it comes to breaking the latest news and ensuring that it is heard across the world.

Technology has largely been blamed for the recession of traditional news. However, there are some big name newspapers which aren’t afraid to integrate their serious journalism with the latest technology. Google’s VR Cardboard has been approached with great enthusiasm by more than a few news organisations. Two of the most successful news outlets to have undertaken this transition include The New York Times and The Guardian.

The Guardian’s 6 x 9 On Google VR Cardboard
The Guardian has recently unveiled its first virtual reality project, 6 x 9. Described as a ‘virtual experience of solitary confinement’, this app is the result of six months’ hard work and is an indication of the kind of VR content they hope to continue producing.
6 x 9 is an in-depth look at solitary confinement in America, and forces the user to experience what it is like to be trapped in a room that measures 6 x 9. The focus of the app is the psychological damage that remaining in such as cell for an extended period of time can cause. Whilst you explore the small space, you’ll be able to listen to the stories of people that have been trapped in solitary confinement and understand some of the psychological damage that it has done to them.

This is a fantastic and atmospheric use of VR, which shows the potential of the platform for dealing with even difficult subjects. After experiencing VR journalism, it really makes you wonder which difficult subject could be next on the Guardian’s list.

The New York Times’ VR App
Already, the VR app (one of the coolest VR apps to have been developed so far) has been downloaded more times than its traditional news app, and at the time of writing has stacked up more than 1.3 million views in returning and first-time viewers.
The app itself features a range of different virtual reality films, from The Displaced (which shares the experience of a child in a refugee camp) to scenes of the Vigils in Paris. This app has taken off particularly due to the decision to provide Google VR Cardboard to its Sunday Times’ subscribers, who were amongst the first to experience this new way of consuming news.

After its initial success, NYT has hired a team of virtual reality experts to ensure that they don’t lose any of this initial momentum and aren’t overtaken by any of their rival news organisations.

Experience Modern Journalism, With Google VR Cardboard
Here at Maxbox VR, we are able to provide high-quality, durable and affordable VR cardboard. That means that you can experience the latest VR tech without having to break the bank of the expensive VR headsets. With Google Cardboard, you can enjoy VR content in the comfort of your own home, or anywhere you choose.

To experience the future of journalism, get in touch with the Maxbox team today on 0208 133 0824. We can print custom designs on all of our VR cardboard products, meaning that you can create unique models for your business, or just to experience the latest VR in style.