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I got a Samsung Gear VR headset free with my phone. It has largely sat on the table in the office at SnakePit Towers, gathering dust: it's somewhat cool and undeniably effective, but once you've looked around some of the locations a bit, there isn't much repeat value to it. It's perhaps a bit different if you have the controllers necessary for the games - I could see the appeal there - but I just don't have the time or the inclination for that. However, I might be inclined to break it out tonight, for this evening's contest will be brought to you in virtual reality.
For Intel recently signed a three-year partnership with MLB, and every Tuesday, Intel go to a different MLB stadium, to set up multiple 4K-resolution camera pods – this week it's Chase Field. These cameras capture 1TB of data per hour, which becomes the "Intel True VR Game of the Week". The livestream lets you personalize the experience with multiple camera angles (near home, first and third base or center field) and stats. The VR livestream, as well as post-game highlights and on-demand VR replays, are available free of charge (at least for now; I sense a future revenue stream...). You can access the content from the Intel True VR app, available for download in the Oculus store using that Samsung Gear VR headset.
Even for those not on the bleeding edge of technology, there will still be an enhancement to tonight's regular broadcast on Fox Sports Arizona, with Diamondbacks' manager Torey Lovullo being miked up for the contest. Curious to see what he says over the course of proceedings against the Cardinals. Normally, facing St. Louis would be a tough test, but right now, they have the lowest winning percentage by any St. Louis side since the 1999 version went 75-86. They've had a winning record for each of the past nine seasons, but that streak is very much in danger this year, the Cardinals currently sitting at 35-40. Hopefully they will be the providers of our fiftieth win of the season tonight.