National Geographic Channel released a new 360-degree video on Thursday featuring President Barack Obama's recent to trip Yosemite National Park. The film showcases Yosemite's breathtaking landscapes, granite cliffs, waterfalls and giant sequoias.
Facebook-owned Oculus VR Company, VR studio Felix & Paul Studios and National Geographic Channel teamed up to create the 10-minute video titled Through the Ages: President Obama Celebrates America's National Parks.
The video contains President Obama's six-day trip to the national park. It also comes with a narration from the president himself, who enjoyed the presidential visit. He took the time to take photos with his wife and children, according to Independent.
In the National Geographic's new 360-video, Mr. Obama becomes the first U.S. president to feature in a virtual reality film. The video opens with the president talking about the rich history of Yosemite National Park and how it has been important to previous U.S. presidents.
Furthermore, Mr. Obama discussed the importance of Yosemite and how the administration makes sure that the park's wildlife is protected. He also talked about education initiatives that are designed to encourage children to visit national parks.
"We know that protecting and preserving places like Yosemite, and all of our National Parks, is more important today than ever," the president says in the film. He also touched the topic of climate change, saying changing and rising temperatures mean that mammals and animal that live at Yosemite for thousands of years are leaving the area to escape the heat.
In a Facebook post, the president said the national park is one of the most beautiful places he has ever been to. He also encouraged people to visit the nearest National Park this weekend. As part of National Park Service's 100-year anniversary, every park is offering free admission.
Samsung Gear VR headsets owners can download the new 360-video featuring President Obama and Yosemite Park in the Oculus Store. The video is free for download and has a size of 64.83 MB.
People without VR headsets can also see the video via web browsers. Visit White House's website or go to National Geographic's Facebook page to see it. Although the video won't surround web browsers in 360 degrees, viewers can use their mouse to look around the park.
After watching the video, let us know your thoughts about it.
Through the Ages: President Obama Celebrates America’s Nationa...Earlier this summer, President Obama and his family visited Yosemite National Park. Today, explore the first-ever virtual reality experience with the First Family in celebration of the National Park Centennial. Available on the Oculus Store for Gear VR with Rift coming soon. (Created by National Geographic, Oculus, and Felix and Paul studios)
Posted by National Geographic on Thursday, August 25, 2016
