Intel is getting serious about the virtual reality market as the company recently acquired an Israeli company that goes by the name, Replay Technologies. This company is a VR start-up, so it is clear that Intel is intended on doing with this acquisition.

From what we have come to understand, the Israeli company specializes in 3D technology, and Intel needs this to further its push into 3D sports broadcasting wherever it is possible.

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This acquisition should come as no surprise because Intel has been partnering with Replay since 2013, and recently at the NBA All-Star Weekend where both companies made it possible for fans to experience the popular Slam Dunk contest in full 360 degrees.

The partnership has worked out well for the past 3-years, so Intel making this move is something we view as long overdue.

The experience requires expensive hardware, so those expecting it to find its way into consumer VR in the near future will be disappointed when it doesn't.

"As a natural next step in our collaboration, today we're excited to announce that Intel signed an agreement to acquire Replay Technologies. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Israel, Replay's proprietary freeD format uses high-resolution cameras and compute intensive graphics to let viewers see and experience sporting events from any angle," according to Intel via its official blog.

Replay and Intel together are planning to make sports and entertainment immersive for all. To do this, we expect Intel to incorporate Replay's 3D technology into virtual reality devices, or even its own creation should the VR market takeoff in the way many are expecting it to.

For now, however, the short-term goal is to improve the technology and keep working with current business partners.

Overall, we hope Intel can go through with its plans to the fullest because the company is known for having good ideas in the works, but ultimately allow other companies to take the initiative. We as consumers want to see what Intel and Replay has done for the NBA in our living rooms because it is quite interesting. Should Intel fail, well, we're sure another company will take its place, so we're not too worried about the future.