"SYNC TRAVEL" Allows Virtual Traveling Experiences Using VR

TOKYO, Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- KDDI Corp. and NAVITIME JAPAN Co., Ltd. will provide "SYNC TRAVEL," a new virtual overseas travel service utilizing virtual reality (VR), over a limited period as part of "SYNC PROJECT" (http://connect.kddi.com/sync/), a KDDI project that connects hearts across a long distance.

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KDDI's "SYNC PROJECT" has so far used communications technologies to connect "the hearts of people separated over a long distance." "SYNC TRAVEL" is a completely new form of overseas travel service that uses VR and communications technologies to connect Japan with the rest of the world in real time under the theme "Enjoy overseas trips more freely."

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"SYNC TRAVEL" connects users with 360-degree cameras held by tour guides overseas in real time through special VR goggles worn by users. Through such guides, users can have virtual experiences of visiting various sightseeing spots and selecting souvenirs while enjoying communication with people in their destinations. The service allows people who cannot take overseas trips -- such as those who are too busy with their work to take a long vacation, those whose legs have weakened and those bringing up their children -- to find new values different from those in their home country, discover something new in themselves through extraordinary experiences and have other experiences they cannot have unless they travel abroad.

1. About "SYNC TRAVEL"
Through "SYNC TRAVEL," KDDI is determined to help people build bonds with others by sharing extraordinary experiences of overseas trips and promote close communication that they cannot enjoy in their daily lives in order to provide them with opportunities for "experiences of heart-to-heart connection" -- the ultimate goal of SYNC PROJECT. Moreover, KDDI is confident that the company can demonstrate its technological capability backed by its achievements to customers who will experience "SYNC TRAVEL" by connecting Japan with overseas points through telecommunications.

Official website: http://connect.kddi.com/sync/travel/?lang=en

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2. "SYNC TRAVEL" tour plans
London, Britain
Enjoy shopping at the Portobello Market in which the film "Notting Hill" is set. You will visit an antique market and "Notting Hill" filming locations where you can listen to an explanation provided by a tour guide.

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Bangkok, Thailand
You will offer prayers to the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, Bangkok's largest temple. You will visit the main hall of the temple and learn manners in which you pray at Buddhist temples. You can also enjoy shopping at a nearby market and outdoor stalls.

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Sydney, Australia
You will view the Opera House from the Circular Quay in the center of Sydney. You can enjoy shopping while viewing street performances by indigenous people as well as enjoying sightseeing on a boat taxi.

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3. "SYNC TRAVEL" concept movie
Content
The "SYNC TRAVEL" concept movie is a heartwarming film showing an elderly man and his granddaughter leaving on a long-cherished overseas trip. The granddaughter uses SYNC TRAVEL to take her grandfather, who has never taken a long-distance trip, on an overseas trip. They put on special VR goggles and take a virtual trip to Germany and Argentina. Once they put on the goggles, they can view 360-degree scenery in these countries. Guided by local tour guides, they visit sightseeing spots, take snapshots using camera functions provided by the goggles and buy souvenirs. The film depicts the grandfather and his granddaughter connecting their hearts through the overseas trip.

(movie: https://youtu.be/kjK35KQ2j6g)

Website for Video download: https://goo.gl/hzSXDQ (PW) kddi
Website for movie picture download: https://goo.gl/mvfYiz (PW) kddi

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