Getty Images dives into virtual reality with Oculus Rift

Getty Images dives into virtual reality with Oculus Rift

engaging experience in

virtual reality, a technology poised to transform the way individuals interact with the visual world

virtual reality, a technology poised to transform the way individuals interact with the visual world," Hugh Pinney, vice-president of editorial content for Getty Images, said in astatement.

By bringing its growing cache of panoramic photos to the Oculus (which only has a developer version available right now), Getty ensures its relevance into the future, and opens up yet another major content source for what is the world's most-discussed VR tool, to date. But despite the Oculus' new consumer-facing focus, Getty's service will likely become a tool primarily for journalists and researchers (like most of its current offerings).

In addition, users can experience VR-friendly Getty Images on the Samsung Gear VR. Getty's photo collection will also work with the consumer version of the Oculus, slated for release in 2016.