Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have the potential to become the next big computing platform

In the first report from a new Profiles in Innovation series,
Goldman Sachs Research examines how VR which immerses the user in a virtual world and AR
which overlays digital information onto the physical world can reshape existing ways of doing things,
from buying a new home to interacting with a doctor or watching a concert.

EXAMPLE

Hundreds of millions of people are expected to watch the summer Olympics in August,
but only users of Samsung phones with a paid TV subscription will have the chance to watch the tournament in virtual reality for the first time,
 NBC Sports announced on Thursday.

The London summer Olympics in 2012 attracted 217 million viewers,
making it the "most-watched event in U.S. television history," according to NBC, which aims to make this year’s games “the most live Olympics ever”
by taking steps including this partnership with Samsung.

Using Samsung Galaxy smartphones compatible with the company’s $99 Gear VR headset,
viewers will be able to watch 85 hours of the games in virtual reality through the NBC Sports app after being verified by their television provider,
 the network announced in a press release.

The 360-degree video coverage will be broadcast on delay Aug. 6 through Aug. 22.
 Events broadcast in virtual reality will include the opening and closing ceremonies, men’s basketball, gymnastics,
 track and field, beach volleyball, diving, boxing and fencing.

Gary Zenkel, president of NBC Olympics, said, “Olympic fans can be transported to iconic venues such as Maracana Stadium for
an unprecedented view of the Opening Ceremony, and Copacabana Beach for an immersive beach volleyball experience in the sport’s ultimate setting.”

Virtual reality coverage of sports events is becoming more common.
NBC broadcast the Kentucky Derby in 360 video in May, and Fox Sports broadcast parts of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in June.