Intel acquires 360-degree sports imaging company

Intel has acquired Voke, a company that specializes in combining live 360-degree images of sports events with, for example, results in a VR display. The company will become part of Intel’s newly established Intel Sports division.

Voke was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, as is Intel. Voke’s technology is called TrueVR and consists of a stereoscopic camera and software. TrueVR enables live recording and broadcasting of 360-degree images, after which metadata such as scores can be added to the panoramic view.

The technology works on various platforms, such as Google Cardboard, the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive, as well as for display on PCs, tablets and smartphones. Users can choose from different camera angles and the technology offers zoom options.

The acquisition is part of Intel’s drive to focus on the ‘digitization of sport’. The company has set up a special division for this: Intel Sports. Intel also acquired Replay in March. The company’s freeD technology makes it possible to re-watch sports moments from any angle.