If you've wanted to watch The Office but never did, you can now start on the Metaverse, as NBC's Peacock streaming platform is now available on the Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro headsets.
The service is currently available to users (opens in a new tab) in the United States and select US territories such as Puerto Rico. Don't expect a global release, though, as Peacock is landlocked in those regions (unless you have a VPN, of course). People living in a supported area have access to over 90 hours of virtual content ranging from sports to TV shows like WWE wrestling. You can also adjust the app's screen for a great theater experience or dim it to play in the background while you multitask, according to the ad (Opens in a new tab).
To entice adopters, Meta is offering "three months of Peacock Premium - opens in a new tab" for free, but only if you A) are at least 18 years old, B) live in one of the supported regions, and C) already have a registered Quest 2 or Quest Pro headset. The company is also offering a one-year free offer "if you set up and register a new qualifying Meta Quest VR device by April 11, 2024." Instructions on how to use the trial offer can be found in the Meta post.
virtual experience
This release is part of a three-year partnership between NBC Universal and Meta with more content to follow. In the coming months, users will soon be able to watch more sporting events from the Indianapolis 500, as well as the US Open golf tournament, on their Quest Pro headsets. The company is also working on immersive, property-based VR experiences. of NBC of Universal Monsters (Dracula or The Wolfman, for example), in The Office. So if you've ever dreamed of recreating the Diversity Day episode or Kevin spilling his famous chili in a virtual version of the Dunder Mifflin office, it could be made into virtual reality later this year.
The release date of the virtual experience is unknown, but we asked Meta for more details. This story will be updated if we get any news.
It's good to see Meta's VR platform getting a positive update after a rocky start to this year. You may have seen reports in March of the company's CEO, Mark Zuckerburg, focusing on generative AI technology while concentrating on entering the metaverse. Zuckerburg's virtual reality efforts continue to progress; just on a smaller scale. Also, what company would spend a ton of money on projects only to kill everything in a relatively short period of time (other than Google)?
Whatever Meta is working on, it will soon be facing fierce competition, as Apple may be ready to jump into the fray. The tech giant is reportedly working on its own VR headset. Not much is officially known about the Apple device, although rumors suggest that it will be powered by the M2 chip.
TechRadar recently uncovered what might be the best Meta Quest 2 deal of the year. You can buy the device at a discounted price and get two games for free. Make sure to check it out.