Sky strikes Jaunt venture VR deal

Cinematic virtual reality firm Jaunt has struck a content deal with investor Sky that will see it launch a Sky World section within the Jaunt app.

Sky World will host a selection of Sky’s news, sports and cinematic VR content. In return, Sky will showcase four Jaunt VR experiences in its newly launched Sky VR app.

The Sky section is available now in the Jaunt VR app for iOS, Android, Gear VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Desktop 360.

Last year sky invested US$0.9 million in Jaunt as part of a US$65 million funding round that was led by The Walt Disney Company and also included participation from ProSiebenSat.1

The deal took Sky’s total investment in Jaunt to $1.65 million since 2013 and at the time Sky it would work with Jaunt to film “even more original virtual reality content.”

This month Sky launched its own dedicated virtual reality app that will feature content produced by Sky and the UK pay TV operator’s partners.

The Sky VR App for Android and iOS smartphones will feature a range of 360-degree videos, including two new Sky VR experiences: Sky Sports: Closer featuring David Beckham; and Sky’s first VR commission, an English National Ballet production of Giselle.