The New York Times is launching a new app and distributing a Google cardboard viewer that offers "a new form of story telling." Subscribers can download the mobile app and use it alone, or enhance the experience by using headphones and the special virtual-reality viewer, which "simulates richly immersive scenes" and offers a 360-degree view.

"This new filmmaking technology enables an uncanny feeling of connection with people whose lives are far from our own," wrote Jake Silverstein, editor of The Times Magazine.

The Times has produced an virtual-reality film, "Walking New York" in conjunction with French artist JR.

The newspaper said US-based subscribers of its Sunday edition would receive free Google Cardboard VR viewers by November 8, which otherwise can cost around $30.

The app is available for download on iPhone and Android phones.