SYDNEY: Samsung has announced that it has teamed up with Qantas airlines to bring a new entertainment service to passengers during long flights. Samsung Electronics Australia and Qantas will launch a trial service offering 3D entertainment via Samsung Gear VR headsets. The VR entertainment will be able to offer passengers access to sights to see at their destination, details of new Qantas products, and the latest in-flight movies.
That’s right, forget seat-back screens and iPads, Australia’s national carrier wants users to sit back and relax with a Note 4-equipped virtual reality headset strapped to their face.
But banish from mind the image of a cabin full of hundreds of passengers simultaneously experiencing the delights of this fast-developing tech, for Qantas is only offering the device to those at the pointy end of the plane.
That’s right, this one’s for first-class ticket holders only, but should fans have the chance to fly in the big seats, Gear VR gadget will initially offer immersive previews of Qantas destinations alongside information on new products and services from the airline. Fans will also have the opportunity to take a virtual tour of its new First Lounge at LAX.
It’s starting out as a three-month trial, though our guess is this particular in-flight offering will be around for some time to come.
The Gear VR headsets will be offered to fliers at Qantas flight lounges in Sydney and Melbourne from February, as well as on select long-haul services using its A380 aircraft from March.
