Translated from Portuguese with Google Translate; (automatic; not revised).
In these “new normal” times, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, anything that can help in the relationship between business, services, and customers is more than welcome. Now that personal interaction as well as the issue of touching objects has become a problem, the use of innovative technology like virtual reality seems to be a great solution.
Wave spoke with Bruno Sibella, one of the co-owners of 4VR, a technology company in Canada that brings a new approach to business and customers. We also talked to Bruno about the third anniversary of his radio show that he does with his wife, the Brazilian Radio Show, in July.
Wave – Can you explain what “VR” is in the simplest way possible?
Virtual reality means “quasi-reality” and generally refers to a specific type of emulation of reality. In more technical terms, Virtual Reality is a three-dimensional computer-generated environment that can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of that virtual world or is immersed in that environment and, while there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions. 4VR is focused on a specific application of this technology, in which we create interactive panoramas. These panoramas are 360-degree photos where we insert content that a user can interact with.
Wave – How did you get involved in VR and consequently with the company?
Together with my wife Izabel, we are co-founders, that’s how we got involved. And we were led to this because of our extensive professional experience in creating high quality films and photos. VR is based on 360-degree photos and videos, so it was almost a natural step to learn how to better use special cameras, capture content and, the hardest part, how to organize everything intuitively.
Wave – How did the business start?
This group of 4 very special friends, including me, came together with the idea of starting a company in Canada. Three of us already lived in Kitchener and we invited another friend who currently lives in the USA, but who also wants to move here. We complement each other and, together, we are a team that likes to collaborate to create something greater than the sum of our skills.
Wave – How have the companies you’ve contacted so far responded to this innovative concept? What is the advantage for a company to use Virtual Reality?
Initially, there is still a bit of skepticism. There is a general common sense that VR is expensive, time consuming to produce and can only be experienced by someone with a suitable VR device. None of this is correct. And that’s where everyone gets excited because 4VR is making this incredible technology available to any company, small or large.
Wave – What are the challenges to start a business in the VR industry?
We had to find the right tools to work with, which would make the process easy and accessible. In addition, we had to create our platform to host the VR content we created. The need to have our platform brought about what we believe to be innovation; the advance will not only help host the content, but also offer a very special way to browse and interact. This navigation is under construction, but I can say that everyone will be excited about how intuitive our platform will be.
Wave – What is the process of producing a video when a company hires its services?
First, we discuss what your main objective is. In general, the customer wants to show his business. We evaluate whether our client has or needs to work on the brand and on the company’s website, as people will start to visit and see their image and, ideally, will do business through the website. Ideally, we try to visit the place, or places, in advance, to plan. Then we have the day of filming, when we spend 1 or 2 hours making videos and photos in 360 degrees. After that, we will produce the Virtual Reality Tour, using photos and videos in 360 degrees, in addition to other materials made available. We have also developed a QR-Code to facilitate the advertising of the VR Tour.
Wave – Would you like to add anything else about VR?
Well, out of these different pandemic times, most companies in our community are struggling to rise. We want to help them reconnect with their old customers, but also to win new ones.
Wave – Changing the subject, your radio show is about to have its third anniversary. Are there plans to celebrate in this difficult time?
The “The Brazilian Show” at CJIQ is completing three years. Unlike past birthdays, this year we will not be able to bring the community together to celebrate. But we are preparing a special virtual show. We are planning to remember great moments since we started doing the show on Saturdays, broadcast on CJIQ 88.3fm for Kitchener-Waterloo and southern Ontario and also on Facebook and YouTube.
Over the years, we have reached people from all over the world and have been able to bring joy and fun to many listeners and viewers. We could help community members in times of need, we could also talk about local community businesses.
Follow 4VR on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch @TheBrazilianShowOnCJIQ to receive
