Nokia’s OZO virtual reality ecosystem is to power content from Chinese digital entertainment platform Youku, the two companies have announced.
Youku will use the OZO camera, software suite, live recording software and software development kit (SDK) to capture and distribute film, television, news and documentary content to up to 500 million monthly active users.
OZO’s SDK and audio solutions will be used to deliver 360 degree virtual reality experiences. The SDK can also support other VR headsets such as Oculus Mobile/GearVR, HTC Vive and Google VR for Android and iOS.
Paul Melin, Vice President of Digital Media at Nokia Technologies, said: “China is one of the most progressive VR markets in the world with an appetite for high-quality virtual reality experiences that is enormous and growing.
“Our collaboration with Youku enables millions more people to enjoy incredibly immersive video and audio VR content through a well-known and trusted platform.”
Jerry Li, General Manager of Alibaba Home Entertainment Business, which owns Youku, said: “Virtual reality has become a creative and compelling medium for art, cinema, education, gaming, travel and a growing number of experiences. Youku continually strives to deliver the best content available anywhere, and our collaboration with Nokia allows us to make professional-quality VR available to our audiences.”
Last summer, Nokia launched its OZO headset and associated software into China, which coincided with a price drop for the product.