The BBC has invested 500,000 in a virtual eventsstartupcreating immersive gigs for the broadcaster.
Quietly, the startup recently began delivering these experiences to BBC audiences.
Last month, Condense powered the BBCs first-ever live virtual concert.
Singer Sam Tompkinstook the digital stagefor the milestone.
The BBC today revealed the partnerships next moves.
At their core is a virtual venue called the New Music Portal.
It hosts interactive concerts that fans can attend from the comfort of their homes.
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Algorithms combine all the feeds into a single 3D video.
The footage is then compressed and streamed into the virtual venue.
Viewers enter the environment through a web online window on their phone or laptop.
Once inside, their avatars can explore the virtual world.
They can also interact with the artist, who sees into the venue through a screen while they perform.
The BBC compares the New Music Portal to Fortnite and Roblox.
So does Nick Fellingham, the CEO and co-founder of Condense.
He described these games as the new social networks.
They are the way young people socialise online, connect and share experiences in real-time, he told TNW.
By working with Condense, the BBC hopes to generate new versions of these experiences.
The broadcaster has already planned regular immersive gigs on BBC Radio 1sNew Music Show.
It promises performances from a host of exciting artists this summer.
Thefundingwill ensure that the broadcaster stands to benefit as Condense grows, the BBC said.
Young people are the primary target of the collaboration.
The BBC wants Condense to engage these audiences and shape the future of content creation.
A dedicated team will explore the opportunities in domains such as sports, education, and news.
Fellingham also has high hopes for the plans.
Traditionally, broadcasting was passive, but now users can actually be part of the experience, he said.
The next target for Condense is another virtual arena.
Fellingham revealed the startup will soon enter the Meta Quest and the Apple Vision Pro.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
