Sports Illustrated wants readers to experience Swimsuit issue in an immersive way with VR

Virtual reality is an upcoming technology which has faced many roadblocks, but looks like Sports Illustrated has tried to leverage it at its best. The latest Swimwear issue could make you feel like a part of the swimwear photoshoot with virtual reality googles strapped on . Yes, you heard that right! Interestingly, and hitting the right chords, it has decided to rollout companion apps for both Android and iOS users, that will bring news, photography, video and virtual reality clips to users. The selection of VR videos with cover models Nina Agdal, Irina Shayk and Hannah Davis. Sports Illustrated is including Cardboard-compatible headsets with its magazine, bundled with about 500,000 special newsstand versions of the Swimsuit issue. So, a premium edition with a pair of Google Cardboard-based VR goggles is up for grabs at $9.99 and a regular edition at $7.99. Sports Illustrated has put out a video on YouTube that pans 360 degrees. Viewer discretion is advised.

The app has been designed to offer free unlockable content to subscribes/buyers of the special edition. However, everyone else will have to shell out $4.99. Subscribers can also order a pair of cardboard goggles for $2.99. VR will certainly go mainstream if there are ways to monetise it, and looks like other VR content makers should be taking lessons from Sports Illustrated. It also seems like a step at taking virtual reality into the homes of many.