Chinese internet and mobile video service provider iQIYI has launched a virtual reality set and introduced a VR partner incentive scheme with the goal of establishing the world's largest Chinese-language VR platform.
At the recent 2016 iQIYI World Conference, iQIYI launched the iVR+ set, which consists of two apps designed for all-in-one VR devices as well as a new VR feature in the iQIYI app. The iVR+ set is able to cover all the head-mounted VR devices currently available.
To help nurture the market for Chinese made VR productions, iQIYI also announced a VR Partner Incentive Program, in which the company will work with VR video and game developers to make 10 copyrighted online films and dramas and 100 copyrighted games into VR productions.
As part of the scheme, iQIYI, the largest open-ended VR platform in China, will provide marketing, production and operation assistance to more than 300 of its partners in VR content and device manufacturing sectors.
"In recent years, the investment in VR hardware development has made significant gains, but this cutting-edge technology still remains a futuristic concept to ordinary people in the absence of a VR content platform," said Gong Yu, founder and CEO of iQIYI.
"iQIYI's expertise in online video and games will serve us as a springboard to build up an open and complete industry chain that covers VR production, distribution and interaction."