CEO Shows Life In China Under Coronavirus Quarantine With 360 VR Video

Originally posted on: vrscout.com/news

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to spread throughout the globe, we’ve begun to see the many effects, both major and minor, of what can essentially at this point be considered a global pandemic: the cancelation of large events and public gatherings, government-mandated quarantines, and low supplies of disinfectant equipment at nearly every store.

We’ve even begun changing the way we greet our friends to ways that don’t involve a hug, high-five, or virtually any other type of physical content.

Nikk Mitchell, Founder, and CEO of FXG, had been quarantined to his home in Hangzhou, China for over a month due to COVID-19.

After residents were finally permitted to leave their domiciles, Mitchel took to the streets with a 360-degree camera to document how the coronavirus outbreak had impacted one of China’s most prominent tech and art hubs. He might even consider uploading his videos on digital media platforms to enable more people to be aware of the current situation in China. Nowadays, as more people turn to digital platforms, it is most often on the Internet that breaking videos newsflare and other media organizations publish for the world to see.

It should be noted that Mitchell is allowed to leave his house but not allowed to leave his local area, but more on that later.

Using FXG’s “Seize”, their new 360 camera capable of shooting up to 16K, Mitchell takes you on an eerie tour showing you the near-empty streets of Hangzhou, the local shopping mall with virtually no one insight, and to deserted tourist locations normally filled with visitors taking photos, laughing, and enjoying the scenery.

Watching Mitchell’s video in webVR is an impactful experience, one that gives you a great idea of how the coronavirus has disrupted life in China. Watching the video, it felt as though I was wandering a post-apocalyptic world where I was part of a small handful of survivors left on Earth. It was genuinely a little unsettling at times.

As Mitchell narrates the experience, his voice is the only thing you hear as you look out at empty streets once alive with tourists and entertainment. Seeing a world that is almost at a standstill brings on a feeling of emptiness that creeps over you as explore more of the lonely city.

Mitchell also takes you to the FXG headquarters which is completely unoccupied; a disconcerting feeling considering the 360VR video was filmed during a normal workday.

No one is on-site because all of the employees are working from home because of the quarantine; no face-to-face meetings or people hanging out in common spaces to collaborate or joke around. Through technology, however, the FXG team is able to continue its work by logging into their workstations from their respective homes, which Mitchell points out in the video.

There is no doubt that the coronavirus has been crippling many companies throughout the globe. Mitchell and his team were careful to not let this happen to them. “With a little bit of creativity, some technology, and a lot of perseverance, we’ve figured out how to keep moving while the world around us was shutting down,” said Mitchell in an official statement.

Being that FXG is a 360 production and localization agency based out of China, one of their biggest goals is to do their part in connecting the Chinese XR ecosystem with the rest of the world, and vice versa, which is why they created this virtual experience.

Max Noir, Head of US Operations for FXG, took a moment to talk with VRScout saying, “We understand that the coronavirus is on everybody’s minds during this difficult time and that people are worried about it,” Noir continues, “Since our team in China has already gone through the quarantine process, survived it, and learned from it, we’d like to share our experience with the rest of the world to hopefully lend some hope to a situation that may feel desperate.”

Near the end of the 360VR experience, Mitchell is near a government checkpoint where a health official checks his temperature to make sure he doesn’t have a fever. Through an app, the official can see where Mitchell has been within the community. By signing into this system, Mitchell is able to leave his home and walk around his community, go shopping, and interact with others who are also under quarantine.

Yes, Mitchell and other residents of his community are giving up some privacy, but this process is the only way for them to leave their homes. FXG’s 360VR video shows you how the Chinese government is utilizing modern technologies to keep everyone safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

I actually talked with Mitchell back in February, who at the time was not under quarantine, but was hiding at home to keep safe from the virus. He told me that VR was helping him stay connected with friends and the outside world. “I have gone to great talks, and met dozens of cool new people, all while safe in the comfort of my home,” said Mitchell. 

This epidemic shows the dangers and risks of the real world. Events around the world are being canceled for safety reasons.

VR shows that even under quarantine you are still able to lead a semi-normal life. You don’t need a physical space to socialize, work or run a conference. Activities like HTC’s V2EC2020 prove that conferences can be done virtually, and is also leading organizers to rethink of the costs (personal and environmental) of running big physical events.

Though many of you may not be under quarantine, the reality is COVID-19 is spreading at a rapid rate, meaning you should be prepared for potential lockdown.

Just recently, the entire country of Italy was put under quarantine, and New York recently established a “Containment Zone” in Rochester. Perhaps this video will give you a better idea of what to expect should you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

If you’re looking to connect with Mitchell to keep him company, you can usually find him hanging out in AltspaceVR at various events and socializing around the campfire. You can also find him on Instagram documenting life under quarantine through the eyes of his dog, Yoshi

Order the Insta360 One X here and get a FREE Selfie Stick!
Order the Insta360 One X here and get a FREE Selfie Stick!

What is 360 VR Video?

360 video is a video that is recorded in all directions at the same time with multiple cameras. The videos are stitched together either internally in the camera or externally using special software.

It then forms one spherical video that is controlled by the viewer, enabling them to look up, down, right or left at their discretion.

Is 360 Video Virtual Reality?

I want you to be the judge.

Recommended MicroSD Card for use with the Fusion 360 camera

Recommended MicroSD Card for use with the Fusion 360 camera 

How are you watching your 360 VR Video?

Are you watching on your PC?

Is it Facebook? YouTube? Veer.TV ?

Or better still, are you using your Samsung Galaxy Smartphone with your Samsung Gear VR Headset?

GoPro-Fusion-Tripod-Mount-1_4-20-screw-thread for GoPro Fusion

Or are you using another smartphone with a Google Cardboard? Google Daydream?

Leave a comment below. Let us know what you like or don’t like. If you have seen a 360 VR video that you think is awesome, tell us, and we will feature it.

What type of VR Headset do you own? Or do you watch with your computer? Smartphone?

Do you have a VR camera? Ricoh Theta S? Ion360?  Samsung 360 gear? Insta360?

And if you are looking for 360 Video Production Services, contact Al Caudullo exploretv@gmail.com

With 37 years of Media experience, we can Deliver More for You in 360 Video. Click here to see what our customers say about our work

Utilizing state of the art technology, Al Caudullo, and his team has been delivering award-winning compelling productions spanning the globe. Exotic destinations blended with unique cultural experiences give viewers an experience like no other.

From vibrant American cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas to the isolated mountains of Mongolia. From ancient civilizations of Cambodia and Myanmar to the lush resorts of Southeast Asia and beyond. All from the comfort of your living room.

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