CBC – Download two free apps for iOS and Android devices to access CBC’s coverage of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games including competition live streams and a first-ever virtual reality experience

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August 2, 2016 – As all eyes turn to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games this week, CBC is ensuring that Canadians will not miss a moment of the coverage, no matter where they are, through two advanced mobile apps. CBC’s app for Rio 2016 and the CBC Olympic Games Virtual Reality app, brought to Canadians exclusively by Visa, provide users with everything they need to watch CBC’s live coverage of Rio 2016 and follow all of the stories of the Olympic Games from their smartphones or tablets. Overall, CBC/Radio-Canada’s coverage of Rio 2016 will be the most digitally-accessible Olympic Games experience ever, with more than 4000 live-streaming hours.

CBC’s app for Rio 2016

This app allows Canadians to take CBC’s coverage of the Olympic Games with them wherever they go. Featuring up to 23 simultaneous live-streaming feeds of event coverage and real-time medal standings, schedules and the latest news and results, CBC’s app for Rio 2016 connects Canadians directly with the network’s coverage of the Olympic Games. Canadians can access all of CBC’s sport coverage by using CBC’s app for Rio 2016 in conjunction with the CBC Sports app. Users will have the option to watch CBC’s live television broadcast via their mobile device, or choose the specific live event coverage they want. The app is now available for free download to iOS and Android devices.

The CBC Olympic Games Virtual Reality app, brought to Canadians exclusively by Visa

CBC, with support from Visa and the International Olympic Committee, is bringing the first-ever virtual reality experience to its coverage of the Olympic Games with up to 100 hours of live competition. The free CBC Olympic Games Virtual Reality app for iOS and Android devices offers Canadians access to live 360-degree motion-sensitive video and immersive virtual reality feeds of select events throughout the Olympic Games, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and individual events including Diving, Beach Volleyball, Gymnastics, Fencing and more. Visa has always brought fans new ways to pay and thanks to their support, CBC is now bringing viewers new ways to watch the Olympic Games with a virtual reality event available each day.

**View a CBC Virtual Reality how-to video at cbc.ca/virtualreality**

Viewers using an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet can access the live 360-degree video feed, which allows the viewer to look around a full 360-degree field of view by simply moving their device. Meanwhile, viewers using a compatible virtual reality headset can access the live immersive virtual reality feed, transporting them to the stadium or onto the field of play. The CBC Virtual Reality app will be available for free download on Friday, Aug. 5. Viewers can also access the 360-degree video feed on their computers by visiting cbc.ca/olympics.

One of the first events available to be viewed live via CBC’s app for Rio 2016 is the women’s football match between Canada and Australia on Wednesday, Aug. 3, with coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET (10:30 a.m. PT). The virtual reality experience begins Friday, Aug. 5 with CBC’s coverage of the Opening Ceremony at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). Full schedules are available at cbc.ca/olympics.

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About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. We are Canada’s trusted source of news, information and Canadian entertainment. Deeply rooted in communities all across the country, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages. We also provide international news and information from a uniquely Canadian perspective.

For more information including press releases, hi-res images, video clips and bios, please visit the CBC Media Centre at cbc.ca/mediacentre.

For further information, please contact:

Simon Bassett, publicist, CBC

simon.bassett@cbc.ca

416-205-8533 (office) 416-988-1590 (mobile)