Syfy Announces Immersive Experience with First-Ever Innovation Lab

Syfy announced today the introduction of Syfy Labs, its first-ever innovation lab dedicated to creating immersive, multi-platform content and experiences for existing and emerging platforms -- from virtual reality to 3D printing, second screen experiences and Internet of Things integrations. Working collaboratively with leading brands in the tech space, Syfy Labs will merge the latest technologies into the storytelling experience of the network's hottest original programming, such as THE EXPANSE, THE MAGICIANS and 12 MONKEYS.

In making the announcement, Matthew Chiavelli, Senior Vice President, Syfy Digital, said: "Syfy has a long history of using technology in innovative and unexpected ways to enhance our television programming. The launch of Syfy Labs formalizes our commitment to giving our viewers new ways to experience our rich content in a variety of exciting ways, on many different platforms."

Syfy Labs is partnering with MakerBot, one of the industry's leading innovators in 3D printing, to offer printable files of exclusive 3D models via MakerBot's Thingiverse, the Internet's largest 3D printing community. Syfy is the first major television network to share exclusive content on this platform, and 3D models will include a variety of items related to Syfy's programming, including The Knight and The Canterbury, ships from Syfy's acclaimed new series THE EXPANSE.

Following the successful release of the iOS and Android Google Cardboard-enabled versions of THE EXPANSE VR app, Syfy Labs will release THE EXPANSE VR app for Samsung Gear VR. Users who own a Gear VR and an accompanying Samsung smartphone can now explore spacecraft and settings from the series in high-quality 3D VR.

Syfy Labs will also build upon its current collaboration with Philips Hue, which uses Syfy Sync to enable consumers to use their home's lighting to create a unique and immersive experience with custom built "lighting tracks." The Philips Hue/Syfy Sync lighting tracks will be available in 2016 for the entire first season of THE EXPANSE, as well as season 2 of 12 MONKEYS and the summer's SHARKNADO 4.

Syfy will unveil all three of these initiatives during CES in Las Vegas with an interactive space located at Booth GL-4 in the Grand Lobby. The booth will feature products such as MakerBot's Replicator and the new MakerBot Smart Extruder+, the latest addition to MakerBot's comprehensive 3D ecosystem that makes 3D printing more accessible.

Attendees and press will have the chance to test out all of these immersive experiences and speak with Syfy Labs executives from January 5-9, 2016.

Syfy Digital has won numerous prestigious awards for multiplatform storytelling experiences, such as PromaxBDA, W3, Webby and Mobile Excellence.

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