Walt Disney (DIS.N) boss Bob Iger might be fending off several activists, but he still has his eyes partly on the future. The $174 billion entertainment giant unveiled a unique way for consumers to experience its brands with a virtual reality program that allows people to walk around without the drama of bumping into the walls, according to Tech Crunch on Monday. Called a HoloTile, it’s a piece of foam floor that lets users—several at once -- with headsets move unrestricted yet within the confines of the patch. It’s a step closer to bringing people the magic, and a partnership with Apple (AAPL.O) gives it an edge.
Unlike some of his peers, Iger has been courting the prospects of VR. He was a featured guest of Apple CEO Tim Cook during the iPhone maker’s Worldwide Developer Conference last year touting how the Vision Pro headset could immerse viewers into the likes of Star Wars “The Mandalorian” or sporting events aired on ESPN. Meanwhile, Netflix (NFLX.O), Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) YouTube and Spotify (SPOT.N) have declined to provide content for Apple’s Vision Pro so far.
Taking the theme parks to the next level is one vision given the company intends to invest $60 billion in that area over the next decade. But by partnering with Apple, it could also have other special effects cracking the door open even further for say an Apple investment in ESPN. With three activists banging on the Mouse House’s door, Iger can use VR to help them imagine the possibilities, too. (By Jennifer Saba)
Follow @Breakingviews on X
Capital Calls – More concise insights on global finance:
Sanofi’s latest M&A gambit is suitably cautious read more
Microsoft Russian hack leaves too much unanswered read more
New Worldline investor bolsters French accent read more
China EV overcapacity fix would be a crowd pleaser read more
Mispriced IPO explains Birkenstock blisters read more
