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xrsportsalliance

Focal Point VR Joins XR Sports Alliance to Drive Innovation in Immersive Sports Experiences

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London, UK – 20th October 2025. Focal Point VR, specialists in advanced virtual reality and immersive video technology, today announced its membership in the XR Sports Alliance (XRSA), joining a prestigious cohort of organizations dedicated to accelerating the adoption of extended reality in sports.

Focal Point VR joins the third cohort of XRSA members alongside MLSE, Vegas Golden Knights, World Climbing League, FansXR, and Nexus Studios, bringing the total alliance membership to 22 organisations.

The XR Sports Alliance is a strategic initiative designed to accelerate time-to-market and commercialisation of XR sports services through collaboration between its members. Founded by Accedo, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and Host Broadcast Services (HBS), the alliance brings together leaders from across the sports, technology, and XR ecosystem.

“Joining the XR Sports Alliance represents an exciting opportunity for Focal Point VR to collaborate with industry leaders and contribute our expertise in immersive video technology,” said Jonathan Newth, CEO at Focal Point VR. “The Alliance’s commitment to experimentation and innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in virtual reality sports experiences. We look forward to working with XRSA members to develop frameworks and solutions that will transform how fans engage with live sports.”

The XRSA’s experimentation framework has recently been deployed for the first time with E1 Series, the world’s first electric powerboat racing league. The deployment served as a testbed to explore how immersive XR content can enhance fan engagement and create new monetisation opportunities across live sports—testing over 20 different immersive camera angles to capture the action in entirely new ways.

Michael Lantz, CEO of Accedo Group, commented: “With the third cohort, the XR Sports Alliance adds new testbed opportunities and capabilities—from immersive video capture to interactive fan engagement and gamified experiences. As the Alliance grows from strength to strength, these new members will further advance our mission to build frameworks for XR sports services through deep collaboration across technology, media, and sports organisations.”

Through XRSA, Focal Point VR will participate in hands-on deployments and collaborative working groups, exploring new opportunities in XR production, content distribution, AI and data integration, monetisation, and 5G-powered fan experiences.
About the XRSA
 
The XR Sports Alliance (XRSA) is a non-profit initiative co-founded by Accedo, Qualcomm, and HBS, bringing together leaders in sports, media, and technology to accelerate the adoption of immersive and extended reality (XR) across the global sports ecosystem.
 
XRSA unites sports organisations, telcos, OEMs, and technology providers to drive experimentation, scalable frameworks, and next-generation fan engagement. Through hands-on deployments and collaborative working groups, the alliance explores new opportunities in XR production, content distribution, AI and data integration, monetization, and 5G-powered fan experiences.
 
With 22 members and growing, XRSA serves as a cross-industry collaboration platform to test, learn, and scale immersive sports technologies that shape the future of how fans experience live events.
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Bluebell Opticom and Focal Point VR Collaborate at IBC 2025 to Showcase Optical Transport for Dual 8K Camera Signals Over a Single Fibre – IBC Stand 10.A 10

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IBC, Amsterdam – 12th September 2025. Bluebell Opticom Ltd., a leading provider of innovative fibre optic solutions for broadcast and media, and Focal Point VR, specialists in advanced virtual reality and immersive video technology, are pleased to announce a joint demonstration at IBC 2025. The collaboration will highlight the optical transport of dual 8K video signals and control over a single fibre, made possible by Bluebell’s BN328T transmitter and BN328R receiver.

The demonstration will showcase how combining Focal Point VR’s cutting-edge multi-camera VR capture workflows with Bluebell’s advanced optical transport solutions enables high-capacity, low-latency transmission of uncompressed 8K video signals and control signals. Using a single strand of fibre, the BN328T/R pair delivers the bandwidth efficiency and signal integrity required for next-generation immersive production environments at scale.

The joint solution addresses one of the biggest challenges in immersive live production: transporting the enormous data streams generated by dual-8K and 16K-capable VR camera systems reliably and efficiently to central processing racks.

“Focal Point VR is pushing the boundaries of immersive media, and we’re delighted to support their work with our BN328 technology,” said Anil Parmar, Sales & Marketing Director at Bluebell Opticom. “Moving dual 8K video feeds and control signals over a single fibre illustrates just how much capacity and reliability our solutions can unlock for VR and live production.”

Jonathan Newth, CEO at Focal Point VR, added: “Immersive VR demands both cutting-edge cameras and rock-solid infrastructure. Our partnership with Bluebell gives production teams a proven fibre backbone that makes ultra-high-resolution VR practical in real-world venues. The ability to transport dual 8K camera feeds and the associated control of them over a single fibre is a breakthrough for scalable immersive production.”

Visitors to IBC can see the joint demonstration on the Bluebell Opticom stand 10.A10. The setup will show how optical transport underpins the future of 8K and VR production, offering efficient, resilient, and high-quality solutions for broadcasters and immersive media creators.
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Bluebell Opticom designs and manufactures fibre optic links for the broadcast, telecommunications, and professional AV industries. With over 30 years of engineering expertise and a 2017 Technical Emmy® Award, Bluebell has pioneered the transport of video, audio, and data over fibre for mission-critical applications worldwide.
 
Focal Point VR is a leader in live virtual reality streaming and immersive video capture. The company develops innovative camera and software solutions that enable true-to-life VR experiences for sports, entertainment, and enterprise applications.
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RGLAB 2025

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RGLAB 2025 Immersive Livestreaming for the Apple Vision Pro

Paris, June 2nd, 2025 – Focal Point VR are very excited to announce their partnership with the RGLab of France Télévisions. This partnership showcases transformative audience experiences from France Télévisions and its partners in the international tech ecosystem.

The full press release follows:

The RGLab returns to Roland-Garros

Sport, a fertile ground for innovation at France Télévisions

Article content

Committed to developing the technologies of tomorrow, France Télévisions collaborates throughout the year with startups to make innovation one of the cornerstones of both content creation and consumption, thereby ensuring a renewed and enhanced experience for all audiences.

Each year at Roland-Garros, France’s leading media group presents the RG Lab — a space dedicated to discovering technological innovations, the result of a long-standing vision and dedicated work led by the Digital Innovation Department.

The RG Lab showcases disruptive technologies that are transforming user practices, audience experience, and content consumption, while also improving the quality of image and sound production and broadcasting during sports events — a true testing ground for these innovations.

This year’s edition of the RG Lab, set up at Roland-Garros for the entire duration of the tournament starting Sunday, May 25, will feature immersive and augmented reality devices for new visual experiences, demonstrations of AI use, and technological advances promoting digital sobriety.

All of these innovations are developed both internally and in collaboration with leading players in the French and international tech ecosystem — partners of France Télévisions.

An ever more realistic immersion…

Among this year’s key innovations, the Digital Innovation Department is introducing a technological breakthrough that allows audiences to experience Roland-Garros in real time with unprecedented image quality and realism — notably through immersive 180° stereoscopic Immersive Video livestreaming at 8K per eye and 50 frames per second (a world’s first) on Vision Pro,  in partnership with Focal Point VR* (capture) and Ateme* (encoding).

Spatial videos — filmed from multiple courts — are also available on the Vision Pro headset via an internally developed app. These will be enhanced by additional content captured with mobile and lightweight Dual Fisheye equipped cameras provided by Canon*.

AI coaching and technique analysis

France Télévisions is partnering with SportAI* and its AI-powered technology. This groundbreaking technology delivers instant 3D visualizations and performance insights, designed to enhance coaching and player development while engaging fans around the globe. During the event, SportAI technology is accessible via a tablet app, demonstrated in near real-time on the RGLab terrace and displayed on screens in the lab, providing analysis from French Open matches. Additionally, a mixed reality experience developed by the Innovation Department allows users to train against a virtual player and receive technique feedback from an AI coach.

Augmented reality and glasses-free 3D

The RGLab is also showcasing an innovative, modular, and scalable augmented reality application that sets the augmented experience apart from the traditional “lean back” experience by offering an interactive mode for tennis fans. Live matches are broadcast on a portable virtual screen, featuring replays, multiscreen options, and statistics. An AI agent, developed in partnership with StatsPerform and AWS, enriches the experience by allowing fans to interact with a virtual tennis expert. New monetization opportunities, such as targeted advertisements and sponsorships, redefine how brands engage with sports audiences. This immersive experience has been developed by Accedo* for the XREAL augmented reality glasses.

A glasses-free 3D display provided by Samsung completes the setup. It allows users to access immersive content — including stereoscopic videos and real-time conversion of live 2D matches into 3D — without the need for a headset or any specific equipment.

 

Optimal video compression: “green” encoding

To combine innovation with digital sustainability, the Digital Innovation Department of France Télévisions is testing an optimized video encoding method in collaboration with Cutz*. The setup allows for a side-by-side comparison of classic and compressed UHD video sequences on two screens. The first screen displays a stream at 100 Mbps, while the second, using Cutz compression, runs at an average bitrate of 3 Mbps. The goal of this test is to demonstrate the ability to deliver UHD-quality video streams with a better quality ratio than standard FHD at 6.6 Mbps, while significantly reducing bandwidth consumption.

All these experiences are available to discover at the RGLab throughout the entire fortnight of the tournament.

France Televisions is France’s leading audiovisual group, offering high quality, diverse and unifying programms for all audiences. The group’s contents can be found on the france.tv and franceinfo digital platforms, on five national channels (France 2, France 3, France 4 (dedicated to Okoo during the day and Culturebox in the evening), France 5 and franceinfo), 24 regional channels and 9 global TV/radio/web media in overseas territories. Okoo, Slash and Lumni complement this diversified offering with programs aimed at young audiences, school children and teachers.  3 out of 4 French people watch the group’s programs every week, making France Télévisions a real link builder.

About France Televisions partners

Focal Point VR is a world leader in high-resolution live immersive video. Specialising in ultra-high fidelity 360 and VR180 video streaming, the company delivers cutting-edge virtual reality experiences for live sports, entertainment, and cultural events. Its proprietary technology and end-to-end platform bring audiences closer than ever, offering unmatched clarity and immersion in real time across the latest XR devices.

Ateme is a global leader of video compression and delivery solutions, helping tier-one content providers, service providers and streaming platforms boost their viewership and subscription numbers.

Canon is the first imagery brand to propose a unic solution to capture content at 180 degrees, 3D photos and immersive 8K videos thanks to the combination of Canon EOS VR SYSTEM, the dual CANON lenses and VR software. Thanks to Canon technical solution, combined with the growing availability of untethered VR headsets, Immersive VR content is easier to shoot, edit and experience than ever before.

SportAI is a B2B sports technology company dedicated to enhancing sports techniques and tactical coaching, commentary, and analysis using AI. With expertise in computer vision and machine learning, SportAI offers instant data-driven insights to racket sports federations and academies, broadcasters, retailers, and equipment brands. By seamlessly integrating with video, apps and streaming systems, SportAI provides coaches and players of all levels with actionable data, making pro-level analysis accessible to everyone.

Accedo is a global provider of award-winning software and services to optimize, grow, and evolve video streaming services. Our expert teams have helped many of the world’s leading video companies become more competitive. Our offerings range from no-code video solutions and immersive applications to complete OTT managed services, always backed by a data-driven approach and with the end-user experience in mind. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Accedo operates 15 global offices, delivering world-class solutions that shape the future of video streaming.

Cutz is the eco-responsible video encoding solution awarded the French Tech and GreenTech Innovation labels. Thanks to smart compression – based on Machine Learning – it guarantees all your videos exceptional visual quality, for higher performance while reducing costs and carbon footprint.

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Focal Point VR and Ateme Unveil the World’s First 8K Spatial Computing Workflow for Apple Vision Pro – LIVE!

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London and Paris, March 12th, 2025 – Last year, Apple launched the ground-breaking Vision Pro VR headset, setting a new benchmark for immersive storytelling with its unprecedented pixel density and advanced stereoscopic video format — delivering breath-taking, transportive experiences like never before. Until now, achieving this level of quality was only possible through offline post-production. Today, Focal Point VR Ltd and Ateme announce a breakthrough that brings this unparalleled quality to live streaming.

By leveraging cutting-edge encoding and streaming technologies, the workflow delivers an ultra-high-resolution immersive video stream optimized for the Apple Vision Pro. It achieves an unprecedented 37 pixels per degree fidelity, fully matching the capabilities of the headset’s advanced display system. This breakthrough enables live immersive experiences with a level of clarity and realism never before possible in real time.

Together, Focal Point VR and Ateme have developed the world’s first real-time live workflow capable of delivering the same high-fidelity, ultra-immersive experience LIVE.

Breaking New Ground in Live Immersive Video For the first time, broadcasters, content creators, and event producers can deliver true-to-life, high-resolution immersive experiences LIVE—bringing audiences into the action as it happens.

  • Focal Point VR has engineered a cutting-edge quad 8k sensor, live immersive camera system, capturing unparalleled stereoscopic depth and clarity.
  • Ateme’s TITAN encoder processes this ultra-high-resolution footage in real time, encoding directly into Apple’s MV-HEVC immersive format for seamless Apple Vision Pro playback.

Experience the Future of Live Immersive Video

Focal Point VR and Ateme will be revealing this new solution in a series of live demonstrations to customers on March 17th to 19th in London, England. This breakthrough technology opens new possibilities for live events, allowing audiences to experience every detail, depth, and moment as if they were truly there.

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Focal Point VR announce camera system design collaboration with Windracers

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Bramley, Surrey, UK – January 20, 2025 — Focal Point VR, a leader in immersive telepresence technology, is proud to announce its successful collaboration with Windracers, the low-cost logistics champion, in the development of a low-latency camera system for the newly unveiled Windracers ULTRA™ MK2, the pioneering low-cost self-flying cargo aircraft designed and manufactured in the UK. This groundbreaking integration enhances the operational flexibility of ULTRA MK2.

The custom camera system designed by Focal Point VR delivers low latency performance, enabling real-time monitoring and remote operation for various applications. Integrated seamlessly with Windracers Mission Control™ software, the camera system provides operators with enhanced situational awareness and expanded operational capabilities, even in challenging environments where ULTRA MK2 operates.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Windracers on this innovative project,” said Jonathan Newth, CEO of Focal Point VR. “Our expertise in high-fidelity, live-streaming video technology has allowed us to create a solution that complements the advanced capabilities of ULTRA MK2. This collaboration showcases the potential of combining state-of-the-art imaging systems with cutting-edge UAV platforms.”

The Windracers ULTRA self-flying cargo aircraft, originally conceived to bring down the cost of delivering humanitarian aid to remote communities, is the most accomplished low-cost heavy lift, long-distance cargo drone available today. Windracers ULTRA is operational today in Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, enabling organizations to transport meaningful payloads to hard-to-reach places quickly, safely and cost-effectively.

Dr. Jonathon Waterford, Head of Mission Software at Windracers, commented, “The partnership with Focal Point VR has been instrumental in delivering a best-in-class camera solution for ULTRA MK2. The integration of the Focal Point VR camera system as a standard feature extends the multi-mission capability of Windracers ULTRA MK2 and brings valuable additional capability to ULTRA MK2 customers like NORCE and Aviation Sans Frontières.”

Focal Point VR remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of immersive video technology, empowering organizations worldwide with tools that redefine the possibilities of live streaming, telepresence, and beyond.

About Focal Point VR

Focal Point VR specializes in high-fidelity, immersive live-streaming technology, offering complete solutions for capturing, processing, distributing, and displaying 360° video content. Based in Surrey, UK, the company partners with industry leaders to deliver innovative applications in fields ranging from entertainment to logistics. Learn more at focalpointvr.com.

About Windracers

Windracers is the low-cost logistics champion whose mission is to make self-flying cargo aircraft an everyday reality. Using Windracers ULTRA as a solution for middle-mile logistics, Windracers brings prosperity to those that need it by connecting people to the things they need and want. Windracers ULTRA is the world’s most accomplished long-distance heavy-lift cargo UAV available today. With a useful payload of 150 kg and a range of up to 1,000 km, Windracers ULTRA has flown countless BVLOS missions including reconnaissance and resupply in Ukraine, geological and wildlife surveying in Antarctica, parcel delivery off the Scottish and English coasts, wildfire detection, and dropped medical supplies by parachute. Available as a service or direct purchase, Windracers ULTRA has flown in Antarctica, North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and will soon operate in Africa. Learn more at windracers.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Focal Point VR
Jonathnan Newth
jonathan@focalpointvr.com
+44 7771 558545

Windracers
Stephen Krajewski
skrajewski@windracers.com
+44 777 377 4673

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Welcome to 2025 with Focal Point VR

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As we step into 2025, Focal Point VR is excited to build on the momentum of an incredible 2024. Last year was marked by groundbreaking achievements, industry accolades, and technological advancements that have set new standards in immersive telepresence. We are thrilled to continue redefining audience engagement with live events in the year ahead.

Advancing Immersive Experiences in Autonomous Racing

In 2024, we partnered with ASPIRE to deliver a cutting-edge VR livestream solution for the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL). This landmark event, held at the Yas Marina Circuit, showcased AI-driven, Dallara-built Super Formula cars capable of speeds up to 300 km/h. Fans around the world experienced the thrill of the race in real time through our ultra-low latency, 360-degree immersive VR video and playback applications, delivering cockpit views directly to their headsets.

Focal Point VR Industry Recognition

Our collaboration with Vislink and ASPIRE earned the ‘Best Innovation Project’ award at the Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards 2024. This recognition underscores our role in revolutionizing fan engagement in motorsport entertainment through immersive VR technology.

Expanding Our Portfolio

Beyond motorsport, we continued to innovate across various live events. Our immersive projects timeline showcases our work in Skateboarding, Boxing, Basketball, ESports, and Music Concerts, demonstrating our versatility and commitment to bringing audiences closer to the action through ultra-high-fidelity immersive livestream video and AR/VR technologies.
Get our demonstration app Go There Live on the Meta Quest store

Ending 2024 on a High

Meta’s Horizon app topped the iPhone charts on Christmas Day, cementing VR as 2025’s must-have tech. The Quest 3 and 3S headsets saw record sales, surpassing major consoles and out-selling all PlayStation & Xbox versions combined. Affordable pricing, mixed reality features, and a vast app library made VR more accessible than ever. With over 150,000 units sold in December, Meta’s devices confirm VR’s shift from novelty to mainstream, delivering immersive entertainment and practical applications — establishing virtual reality as a defining success for the future.

Looking Ahead in 2025

As we embark on 2025, Focal Point VR is committed to pushing the boundaries of immersive telepresence even further. We are eager to explore new opportunities and form innovative partnerships to enhance the ways audiences experience live events globally.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our partners, clients, and the dedicated Focal Point VR team for making 2024 such a remarkable year. Here’s to another year of innovation, growth, and success in 2025!
Contact:
For further information or to arrange a meeting at IBC contact
Jonathan Newth
CEO, Focal Point VR
jonathan@focalpointvr.com
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Vislink and Focal Point VR Honored with ‘Best Innovation Project’ for ASPIRE at Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards 2024

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Newsletter Repost from Vislink Technologies –

Vislink and Focal Point VR Honored with ‘Best Innovation Project’ for ASPIRE at Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards 2024

Mt. Olive, New Jersey — December 10, 2024 — Vislink Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: VISL), a global technology leader in the capture, delivery, and management of high-quality live video and associated data in the defense, public safety and broadcast sectors is proud to announce that it has been awarded the ‘Best Innovation Project’ at the Broadcast Tech Innovation Awards 2024. This accolade recognizes Vislink’s groundbreaking collaboration with Focal Point VR and ASPIRE in delivering an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience for the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL).

The A2RL series, which debuted in April 2024, at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, showcases AI-driven, Dallara-built Super Formula cars capable of reaching speeds up to 300 km/h. Through the partnership with Focal Point VR, Vislink provided state-of-the-art wireless HD video and data transmission solutions, enabling fans worldwide to experience real-time, 360-degree VR views from the cockpit of autonomous race cars directly to their headsets. 

“We are thrilled to have collaborated with Vislink and ASPIRE to create an immersive VR experience that brings fans closer to the excitement of autonomous racing than ever before,” said Jonathan Newth, CEO of Focal Point VR. “This award is a testament to the power of innovation and partnership in transforming how audiences engage with live events.”

Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, said: “In an AI racing sport like A2RL, offering a real-time cockpit perspective is not only exciting but vital – it allows fans to connect with the intelligence and precision behind autonomous systems, turning the complexity of AI into an engaging and relatable experience. This award is a testament to the incredible innovation and collaboration that went into this project, and we’re proud to work alongside such visionary partners to set new standards for the future of motorsport entertainment.”

This innovative approach has redefined the fan experience in motorsport entertainment, merging the immersive world of virtual reality with unparalleled wireless video and data transmission. The success of this project highlights Vislink’s dedication to advancing the future of autonomous car racing and delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences. 

Mickey Miller, CEO of Vislink, added: “We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of live broadcast technology. Our collaboration with Focal Point VR and ASPIRE has set a new standard for fan engagement in motorsport, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and deliver unparalleled experiences to audiences worldwide.”

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Focal Point VR Provide Recorded Onboards For Daniil Kyviat vs TII At Suzuka – A2RL

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Focal Point VR Provide Recorded Onboards For Daniil Kyviat vs TII At Suzuka – A2RL

Focal Point VR’s Production Team provided recorded onboards at the AbuDhabi Autonomous Racing League showcase at the Suzuka Circuit, as part of the Japanese Super Formula event.

The team provided 4K onboard recordings as well as demonstrating our newly updated versions of the A2RL Meta & Apple Vision Pro apps to VIP hospitality and paddock pass guests across the whole Super Formula Final weekend. 

See the videos below to see a recap of the weekend and watch how TII’s Autonomous Formula Car performed against former F1 Driver Daniil Kyviat. 

 

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