Apple has launched an immersive video showcasing highlights from the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, aimed at enhancing its content offerings for the Apple Vision Pro headset.

This four-minute video provides unique viewing angles, including close-up shots from the court and behind-the-backboard perspectives, capturing dramatic moments like a ball soaring toward the camera.

The release follows Apple's acquisition of NextVR, a company recognized for its 180-degree 3D streaming technology that previously live-streamed numerous NBA games to VR headsets.

Apple seems dedicated to revitalizing NextVR's capabilities by investing in advanced camera technology to improve live experience captures.

Despite plans for a more affordable Vision headset priced around $2,000, Apple currently limits high-quality content to its premium $3,500 Vision Pro, which may alienate many VR users on other platforms.

The Apple TV app's availability on Android, combined with the popularity of Meta Quest 3 and 3S headsets, suggests a growing demand for immersive NBA experiences among a wider audience.

While NextVR has been developing technology to enhance viewer freedom and depth perception in virtual environments, achieving these capabilities for streamed live events remains a significant challenge.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has criticized the new video as primarily a gimmick, arguing that genuine live experiences are what truly resonate in immersive content.

This new NBA All-Star video adds to Apple's previous immersive projects, which include highlights from the Super Bowl and the scripted experience 'Submerged.'

Additionally, a startup named Gracia is exploring full six degrees of freedom (6DoF) experiences using advanced 3D scanning technology, although this presents its own technical hurdles.