New York Times launches virtual reality project

New York: The New York Times has announced a new virtual reality project, NYT VR, with plans to send Google Cardboard viewers to home delivery subscribers the weekend of November 7-8.

Times Insider subscribers and a selection of Times digital subscribers will receive promo codes to redeem for a free Google Cardboard viewer.

An NYT VR app will be available in the Google Play and iOS stores beginning November 5 with compatibility for iOS 8+ and Android 4.3+. Users without Google Cardboard will still be able to enjoy an enhanced video experience, although the Google viewer is optimal.

A first NYT VR film called "Displaced" has been created in part by the New York Times Magazine and will look at three children uprooted by war. Subsequent films will include a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Magazine's "Walking New York" cover image plus a third in December and more to follow in 2016.