In the days leading up to Samsung’s most recent product revelation, the air was thick with anticipation, as is usually the case before any big event. But this year was particularly different. That’s because this past weekend’s Unpacked was Samsung’s most boundary-breaking event yet.

Showcasing its latest technological achievements by debuting its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge flagship smartphones, as well as its Gear 360 camera, Samsung illustrated how it has overcome barriers to deliver innovation inspired by people. It also demonstrated how an ecosystem of seamlessly connected devices and services can enhance the way consumers live, connect and interact. This strategy was the very heart of this year’s Unpacked, and was incorporated into each detail of the event, from the stage layout, to the guest speakers, to the very way in which the new products were introduced.

A New Reality for Product Revelations

For the first time, Samsung unveiled its latest products in virtual reality, enabling all event attendees to get an equally up-close look at the new devices via Gear VR. In doing so, the company illustrated how the technology industry is ever-evolving, and set a new standard in the way products are revealed.

Pulling out all the stops, Samsung prepared a whopping 5,000 Gear VR headsets to enable for a successful presentation. But, as one might image, pulling off an operation of this scale was no easy feat to accomplish and there were plenty of challenges faced during the planning process. Perhaps the biggest obstacle Samsung encountered was figuring out how to keep all 5,000 of the Gear VR headsets powered throughout the event, as well as how to broadcast the live presentation simultaneously on each device.

Samsung eventually opted to develop a customized Gear VR headset specifically for the event, and created special technology to broadcast the presentation. The company ran multiple tests with the new headset from Korea. First, they successfully applied the technology to 100 devices, then 500, then again with 1,000, and so on, until they ran into some problems. As such, they had to make some alterations to the system, but by the time Samsung reached Spain, they were ready to go.

To ensure that the system functioned properly during the event, Samsung monitored every single device by utilizing NFC technology that paired each headset to a specific numbered seat. In case the signal failed to work in a specific device, the problem would be easy to fix. For aesthetics purposes, Samsung was able to conceal the thousands of crisscrossing wires that attached each headset to the central server by constructing an additional layer of flooring over the electrical chaos.

Additionally, Samsung rented the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona—the venue of the previous three pre-MWC Unpacked events—for a considerably longer amount of time than usual. In the few days leading up to the event, a huge staff was assembled and worked tirelessly to install the advanced network infrastructure necessary to ensure the event would take place without a hitch. To share this unprecedented event with Galaxy fans unable to attend in person, Samsung hosted the first ever livestream in 360 degrees, which 30 million viewers from around the world tuned in to watch.

Thinking Outside the Box

The event stayed true to its name by incorporating the “Unpacked” concept into its complex floor plan that not only impressed visually, but also allowed for a unique interaction between audience members and presenters. The floor plan was so intricate, in fact, that planners continued to make changes up until a few hours before the start of the event to ensure that everyone—even those viewing from home—could get a good view of the Unpacked action. As a result, the set-up enabled for a far more interactive event experience than any traditional product introduction of the past.

A giant square stage was at the center of this elaborate floor plan, and featured four separate transformative display screens that hung above it. At the start of the event, the impressive screens were opened upward, as if the stage itself was being “unpacked.” This box concept was utilized throughout the event’s video invitation and teaser content Samsung published leading up to the event, allowing for a more storytelling-centric approach.

In the end, hundreds of people and dozens of partners collaborated to make Galaxy Unpacked 2016 Samsung’s most immersive event yet. The spectacle of innovation no doubt set the bar high for all future product revelations and will not soon be forgotten.

The Next Galaxy will be one packed with refined features and functions that promise to make you rethink what a phone can do. To get an immersive look at Samsung’s newest Galaxy devices, join the Galaxy Unpacked event from wherever you are in the world via the industry’s first-ever live 360 broadcast.

There are four options for where to watch—from the auditorium, stage left, stage right or from center stage. Pick the one that is right for you, then access the 360 livestream via your PC, mobile device, or Gear VR headset to get a complete view of the event from every angle.

Galaxy Unpacked will begin in three hours and can be livestreamed via http://www.samsung.com/ or http://news.samsung.com/galaxy.

For all the latest news, media resources and content related to The Next Galaxy, check out Samsung Newsroom’s special page.

In addition, during Galaxy Unpacked you will get four options for where to watch—from the auditorium, stage left, stage right or from center stage. Pick whichever spot is right for you, then use the 360 live streaming to get a complete view of the event from every angle.

To learn how to watch Galaxy Unpacked by PC, mobile device or in the immersive world of Gear VR, read on.

Watching on the PC

1. Head to the Galaxy Unpacked page on the Samsung website when the event begins.

2. Choose from one of four viewing positions for the event.

Watching on Mobile

1. Go to the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the App Store (for iOS devices) and search for the free Unpacked 360 View app.

2. Download the app and install it.

3. Once the event starts, launch the app and you can select one of four viewing angles.

Watching with Gear VR

1. Go to the Oculus Store and search for the Unpacked 360 View app.

2. Download and install it.

3. Launch the app using the Gear VR headset.

4. When the event begins, select one of four viewing angles.

The Galaxy Unpacked event will begin streaming on February 21 at 7 p.m. (CET).

For more information, please visit How to watch Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2016.