Navigation company Sygic is sending its professional traveler ‘Michal’ around the world for one year to build an extensive library of VR footage from the most spectacular global destinations. The videos are to be featured in the company’s new version of its VR travel app, released today.
The VR travel app furthers Sygic’s mission to enhance travel experiences for people across the globe. Users are now able to familiarize themselves with top locations across the globe from their living rooms, technology that helps travelers to research potential destinations before committing to vacations. The company is the first in the world to offer 360 degree virtual travel tours with accompanying voiceovers and 40 destinations currently listed. The database covers almost 3000 unique 360 travel videos from all around the globe. The new version of the app also features a new 3D UI design with better listing of videos.
“Sygic is committed to exploring the boundaries of navigation, a philosophy that has directly contributed to our enduring reputation as the leader in navigation,” said Michal Stencl, Sygic Founder & CEO. “We are delighted to deliver new cutting-edge premium features such as those in our new travel app and bring the VR experience to the next level.”
Sygic’s app taps into two markets that continue to see healthy growth: travel and VR. The global travel market is estimated to generate upwards of $1 billion by 2022, with emerging markets fueling rapid growth. VR is expected to see yet more rapid growth, with experts predicting sales of head mounted displays (HMD) to grow at nearly five times the rate of the iPhone between 2014 and 2018.
VR technology is transforming a number of industries – such as travel – by changing the way consumers interact with video content. As Sygic’s is the first to offer 360° virtual travel tours, the company is revolutionizing the way that travelers plan their potential vacations.
“We hope the new version of the app will reach more users than ever and further our travel offering to millions across the globe,” added Stencl. “Now, thanks to VR, users can travel the world from their armchair’.