Tag: augmented reality technology

A new company aims to transform video games into real-world experiences.

Semblance Augmented Reality is a company created by Mark Skwarek and the goal of the company is to free video games from a mere television experience and turn them into one that is physical, where a person can interact with an entire world of virtual characters, structures and objects in a real environment.

So far, Skwarek has managed to raise more than $30,000 in crowdfunding to launch Semblance.

Having raised over $30 thousand on Kickstarter, the group fundraising site, Skwarek is gearing up to release the first Semblance AR app for Android and iOS mobile phones. He recently demonstrated how the app works in New York City wearing Epson Moverio B200 glasses.

Although augmented reality (AR) is not a new concept, nor is the idea of combining AR with gaming, it is starting to become more mainstream due to an increase in popularity of wearable devices, such as smart glasses, smartwatches and fitness trackers. Furthermore, today, there is a wide range of mobile devices that are finally equipped with GPS tracking, camera technology and sensors that are strong enough to handle AR tech.

While AR tech can certainly improve upon a video gamer’s experience, use for this technology is also being explored in other areas where combining augmented reality with wearables could help solve practical problems hands-free. It is even showing promising results in the health sector.

According to Brian Ballard, CEO and founder of APX Labs, an AR software company, wearables will help empower deskless employees in the same way that mobile devices and computers have done for office workers. Wearable gadgets, like smart glasses, can provide workers with immediate access to information in real-time no matter where they are.

Augmented reality technology is not without its challenges.

According to Benjamin Arnold, a consumer tech analyst at the NPD Group, “The technology is here right now. It’s just implementing them in a product, showing consumers that it has a value and can do things better than they were doing before.”

However, one of the problems this tech faces is that internet connectivity and battery life of devices needs to be improved in order to make it efficient. However, Ballard believes that it will not be long before it becomes fully integrated into people’s lives. This may be particularly true for video gamers due to the success of augmented reality gaming apps like Skwarek’s.

The Store now has an interactive feature that was created and designed by artist Claudia Hart.

The store at the New Museum has now installed a new interactive window display that uses augmented reality in order to provide a unique experience created by artist Claudia Hart.

The use of the AR technology based installation gives visitors the chance to interact with the piece.

A press release described the piece as being an augmented reality “installation in the New Museum Store window consisting of a full tea service.” It will continue to be displayed at the store until October 19. Visitors will be able to use smartphones and tablets to be able to interact with the piece, which will then reveal hidden content to them through the Nue Morte and Junaio apps.

The augmented reality feature in the display also provides animated and text based content to the functional tea set.

The content was greatly inspired by the Alice in Wonderland story, and the added digital content provided by the AR technology helps to bring that feeling to life. Among the various text and animation additions that are viewed by device users are excerpts from the story as well as post modern renderings of various symbols and scenes that appear within the book.

Those viewing the piece through their smartphones and tablets are able to uncover various layers of content that enhance the experience that they see with the naked eye. Digital elements simply pop up as the user looks through the phone to scan the various parts of the work. For instance, the press release explains that “The plates’ inscribed decorative pattern is recognized by the Nue Morte app, and a nude sleeping odalisque figure appears tossing and turning, seeming to lie across one’s meal.”

The installation that has been created by hart using the augmented reality is not entirely dissimilar to the Lady Bug piece created by Jeff Koons. Through that app, a digital sculpture is revealed when viewing the Garage magazine’s most recent issue. These are only the latest in a growing trend of AR technology based creations that bring tech and art together.