Skip to main content

Apple goes back to the U2 well with a new VR music video

apple u2 vr music video band
U2/Facebook
U2 is patient zero for Apple’s experiment with mixing VR and music videos. The band that was the root of a minor gaffe when Apple injected their new album into millions of iTunes accounts unsolicited is back for more, teaming up with Apple Music to create a new 360-degree music video for the track Song for Someone. The video available now on the Vrse app, reports TechCrunch.

For those who don’t have a VR headset, Apple Music is bringing “The Experience Bus” to concerts so that fans can check out the music video in all its glory. With Oculus headsets and Beats Solo headphones on board, the bus immerses visitors into the video, which, of course, features the Irish rock band, along with a handful of musicians who are reportedly shown playing their instruments in the comfort of their own far-flung homes. Apple Music branding is included in the video as well, so viewers won’t forget who to thank for the experience.

Recommended Videos

According to U2 fansite @U2, The Experience Bus is a double-decker with VR booths upstairs. The site describes the viewing experience as one that makes you feel as if you’re standing on stage with the band while they perform, complete with footage of fans singing along.

Roblem VR tweeted a photo of The Experience Bus, and it looks pretty amazing from the outside.

Those curious about the music video can also watch it on their iPhone. It’s not the same immersive experience, of course, but moving the device around will provide different perspectives. At least U2 fans won’t have to miss out completely.

The Experience Bus and the new Song for Someone music video are only Apple’s latest flirtation with virtual reality. Back in February, the company patented a new headset that seems to be similar to Samsung’s Gear VR. Apple also acquired augmented reality company Metaio just a few months ago. Although we don’t know what the tech giant’s VR end goal is yet, it’s safe to say that the area is very much of interest.

That U2 got in on the company’s latest experiment is no surprise. The band is a well-known Apple favorite, from their silhouettes being featured in early iPod commercials to now.

Stephanie Topacio Long
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
This smart 4K projector is nearly half-price in Walmart’s sale
The Wimius smart 4K projector on a desk.

If you've been thinking about installing a projector in your living room to create a cinematic experience, you won't want to miss this offer from Walmart. The Wimius smart 4K projector, which is originally priced at $360, is down by nearly half to only $190, for huge savings of $170. We're not sure how much time is remaining before this bargain ends though, so if you're interested, we highly recommend completing your purchase as soon as possible.

Why you should buy the Wimius smart 4K projector
Setting up a home theater projector is an excellent way to create a movie theater vibe at home, and you won't have to spend hundreds of dollars if you go for the Wimius smart 4K projector. Its projection size ranges from 50 inches to as large as 300 inches, so if you've got a big enough wall or projection screen, it will really be like you're watching movies at the cinema. The projector is capable of 4K Ultra HD resolution, and it has an extremely long lamp life of 200,000 hours so it will be a long time before you need to replace its bulb. It also offers auto focus and keystone correction technology for even better visuals.

Read more
These Sony OTC hearing aids offer optimized audio and all-day comfort
Man wearing Sony CRE-C10 OTC hearing aids.

There's a lot to be said about OTC or over-the-counter hearing aids. They're more accessible, usually because they're more affordable, and you don't need a prescription to get some. That's precisely why they're called "over-the-counter." Of course, they're really meant for mild to medium hearing loss, however. If you experience severe hearing loss you'll need to go to your local physician, as you might expect. But also one of the great things about this relatively new, untapped category of sound devices is that there are a lot of great options from brands you wouldn't expect. Take Sony, for instance, which has several OTC hearing aid options, and they're available at Best Buy of all places.

You can walk in, off the street, and walk out with them same-day, or buy them online and have them shipped to your house. How's that for excellent service and accessibility? But if you need a quick introduction to some of Sony's best OTC hearing aid options, we've got you covered.

Read more
Now is the time to get the best noise-canceling headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in Diamond color resting against a headphones stand.

Noise-canceling headphones' performance has been pushed with each passing product release, and the crown regularly passes between between Bose, Sony, and Apple as they attempt to one-up each other. Currently, Bose stands above the rest with the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones -- and right now they're $100 off until December 2.

What is it the Bose do so well? To start off, they offer the best noise-canceling performance available from a pair of headphones. In his review, Simon Cohen found that "The QC Ultra provide impressive levels of hush in a variety of scenarios." You can still get slightly better isolation with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, but for most of us, having something in your ear for a long flight gets uncomfortable pretty fast. Plus, there's the worry an earbud will fall out (I find the fit on the Sony earbuds in particular doesn't always feel very secure).

Read more