Adding another piece to its virtual reality technology puzzle, Intel Corp. said it is acquiring Voke, a company that has developed a multiscreen, sports-focused VR production platform that includes a proprietary stereoscopic capture system.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but between 15 and 20 Voke employees will be joining Intel, the company confirmed.
Intel is buying Voke to help accelerate the company’s efforts around technologies that deliver “immersive” sports experiences, James Carwana, GM of the Intel Sports Group, noted in the announcement.
Intel’s deal for Voke follows its acquisition earlier this year of Replay Technologies, a company that built “freeD,” a platform that uses hi-res cameras and graphics to create 3D, 360-degree video.
RELATED: VR 20/20: Social, Stats Will Drive Sports VR Adoption
Intel, which is working on a broader “merged reality,” is also pushing into the headset hardware arena with Project Alloy, which will result in reference designs for manufacturing partners.
RELATED: Intel Gets Into the VR Hardware Game
Santa Clara, Calif.-based Voke was founded in 2004. Its TrueVR platform has been used for a range of live shows and events, including the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, New York Fashion Week, the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup, live streams of concerts, and select NBA, NFL and college football games.
Intel Capital recently led a $12.5 million “A” round in Voke, along with participation from the Sacramento Kings, A+E Networks and Nautilus Ventures.
“Together, we can innovate and scale our new immersive sports business faster to bring fans the most personalized, fully immersive VR experience ever imagined and change the way networks, sports leagues and teams engage with their audiences,” Carwana said.
