Sir David Attenborough to front new 5G app to win public confidence
Sir David Attenborough is to be the face of a new government-funded 5G app to demonstrate the benefits of the new technology to the public.
The 94-year-old broadcaster and naturalist’s forthcoming BBC documentary series The Green Planet will be accompanied by an AR (augmented reality) app using 5G technology that allows people to see exotic plants and animals around them.
AR superimposes virtual objects into users’ surroundings.
The Green Planet app has won funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s 5G Create competition.
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Matt Warman, minister for Digital Infrastructure, said: “This cutting-edge app, fronted by broadcasting legend Sir David Attenborough, is set to be an inspiring example of how new technology can reconnect us with the natural world whilst demonstrating the power of 5G to a huge new audience.”
The five-part The Green Planet series is expected to be broadcast in 2022.
Viewers who download the accompanying app will be able in certain locations to see “meticulously detailed graphics of exotic plants and animals” as if they were right in front of them.
The app will be available in “set locations” around the UK to users who have a 5G-enabled device. These are yet to be decided but could include parks, visitor attractions like Kew Gardens and even urban environments.
In April, the government called the suggestion that 5G masts cause coronavirus a “crazed conspiracy theory”, while a number of scientists spoke out to debunk the alleged link.
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Meanwhile, Attenborough has received the COVID-19 vaccine, his representative has confirmed.
The TV presenter told The Telegraph last month: “At 94, I think I’m entitled! I’m sufficient of a scientist still, I hope, to realise this is the thing to do.”
It’s not known which of the approved vaccines the presenter has had, but it was revealed he had received the first of two doses in the same week it was revealed The Queen – who is 94 – has also been vaccinated against coronavirus.
Other notable stars to have been vaccinated in the UK include Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, 80, actor Sir Ian McKellen, 81, performer Lionel Blair, 92, actor Brian Blessed, 84, and actress Dame Joan Collins, 87.
Watch: Sir David Attenborough discussed his show A Perfect Planet
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