Sir David Attenborough to become 5G hologram in project to show benefits of tech

Sir David Attenborough will be projected through an app so users can see him describing the hidden life of plants in high-definition on their smartphones.

The nonagenarian naturalist is to become a 5G hologram as part of a government-backed project to show off the benefits of mobile technology.

The app is due to be launched alongside the release of Sir David’s BBC Green Planet series early next year.

Under current plans, the app will allow users in designated 5G spots to project Sir David on their phone screens alongside life-like footage of the plants he is describing, which will be supplied by Kew Gardens.

The project, run by production company Factory 42, has been funded by a £2.3million taxpayer grant from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, as part of a £200 million fund to showcase the technological advances 5G will enable.

As well as being much faster the 4G signal, 5G allow phones and devices to send far greater amounts of data enabling a host of new technologies such as high-definition live-stream filming as well as automated drones and vehicles.

The funding comes after a year where the next generation of mobile phone signal has become the focus of conspiracy theories during the pandemic.

Last year, over 60 5G phone masts were burned down due to social media theories claiming they spread the coronavirus.

Other projects to receive Government funding include plans to have driverless taxis taking people around the stadium of League One football side MK Dons, as well as drone deliveries of goods to its hospitality areas.

Another scheme is for 5G instant replays of sports events at London’s O2 arena, which will allow spectators to instantly re-watch key moments of the action on their phones.

Other projects to secure funding are for 5G enabled drones on construction sites and high definition broadcasting from extreme locations such as inside caves and along cliff-tops for nature documentary makers.

Speaking about the David Attenborough hologram app, Matt Warman, the 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.”