Simon Fuller, founder of XIX Entertainment and the creator of the ‘Idol’ franchise is teaming up with US telco Verizon “to transform storytelling and entertainment” using 5G, VR and extended reality (XR).
Verizon will work with Fuller and his XIX team to conceptualize and create a sequence of new entertainment experiences powered by Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband.
The partnership will see XIX collaborate with Verizon’s XR and 5G Labs to craft new storytelling experiences.
The content that Verizon and XIX create together will be optimized for audiences using 5G-connected devices or “next-gen” entertainment devices like VR headsets or AR glasses.
The companies’ first project is expected to be a short-form VR experience designed by Fuller and his team using custom 360 Stereoscopic 3D cameras and maximizing the visual and audio fidelity of VR headsets, to create superior and more immersive experiences.
In 2002, Fuller’s creation American Idol became the first network TV show to encourage television viewers to vote in the millions for their favorite singers by texting on their smartphones.
Two years later, Fuller’s iTunes deal with Steve Jobs and Apple for Idol music downloads presaged the huge surge in sales of iPods across America.
“Simon’s track record in creating game-changing moments in popular culture speaks for itself, and this first project is the tip of the iceberg.”
Erin McPherson, Verizon
Erin McPherson, Head of Consumer Content and Programming at Verizon, said: “By leveraging 5G Ultra Wideband and XR capabilities, we’re able to create immersive stories that relay emotional depth and bring the wider possibility of what 5G means for entertainment into view.
“Simon’s track record in creating game-changing moments in popular culture speaks for itself, and this first project is the tip of the iceberg.
“We can’t wait to show how the massive bandwidth, super-fast speeds, and ultra-low latency of Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband can forever change this new generation of entertainment.”
“Our partnership with Verizon allows us to explore and define a whole new approach to creativity in this immersive world.”
Simon Fuller
Added Simon Fuller: “I am a huge believer in the powerful creative impact Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband will bring to the entertainment industry. Suddenly what previously could only be imagined, is now a reality.
“The quantity of information and quality of the imagery that can now be shared in near real time, enabling interaction with friends and streamed content instantaneously, is a complete game changer.
“This will transform the way people connect with each other and experience entertainment. Our partnership with Verizon allows us to explore and define a whole new approach to creativity in this immersive world.” Music Business Worldwide
