Just ran across this cool little piece of software. It’s called d-touch and it’s a semi-augmented reality audio sequencer. Really the only part of it being AR is it’s marker/glyph reading ability, there’s no video aspect to it.
If you’ve ever used an audio sequencer then you know how much of a pain in the ass it can be to use. Which is why this idea is great, because now audio sequencing become more natural and intuitive. They even have videos of musicians performing with d-touch on stage.
Judging by two articles that came about from creativity yesterday about AR, what it is, and what you can do to survive the flood of AR campaigns that are probably in the works.
Seems like the writers of these articles, as well as those they interviewed, share my sentiments about AR, what it’s capabilities are and where it’s going. However, it looks like the digital advertising big guns are churning out some pretty surprising stuff.
The USPS: Virtual Box Simulator Demo really caught me by surprise because it’s a really fantastic idea. It’s very useful, straightforward and simple idea and, judging by the demo, seems like it was implemented really well. However, since it is AR it still suffers from it’s multiple crutches. Two-thirds of the demo video is just going through the step-by-step process on how to get the app to work! So, I give this an idea rating of “awesome” an execution rating of “good” but a usability rating of “meh”.
Now the BMW: Expression of Joy demo really took my breath away. Just look at it. Straight up sexy. It’s even tied in with the Expression of Joy commercial, which is probably the only commercial I didn’t mind watching in a movie theater. I give this an idea rating of “amazing” an execution rating of “badass” and a usuability rating of “rock n roll”.
Based on all things AR that I’ve seen, it seems like products and advertising campaigns are really going to be its beating heart in the near future. I’m really excited to see what happens with the iPhone 3GS, if only people would start opening up their AR code libraries for the rest of us.
Augmented Reality (AR) is a huge right now even though the technology isn’t quite there to make it mainstream. Sure you can do some lightweight AR in Flash with the FLARToolkit, and I say lightweight because of the restrictive processing power of the Flash Player.
There are some AR specific software and browser plug-ins like D’Fusion from Total Immersion. But then you’re limiting your web audience because of the tiny penetration rates. However, it was used to make the We Are Autobots microsite for the Transformers 2 movie and it turned out pretty sweet.
There are also some advances on the mobile side of things with software like Layar. But then you’re entering into the whole mobile nightmare of 5 billion different models, differing software between carriers, etc. However, one thing I like about what I’ve seen from Layar is their take on AR.
With current web AR, I haven’t seen much practical use other than “wow” factor. But introducing AR into the mobile world opens up a plethora of possibilites. Just looking at Layar’s demo reel gives me a bajillion ideas for practical mobile AR applications.
Let’s compare the differences between stationary (desktop) and mobile AR:
Honestly, the future of AR is in the mobile world. Sure, it has it’s place on the web but it’s ultimately going to thrive on our phones.
I was just sent this article from k_to_the_t about the Flashbelt conference in Minneapolis. If you don’t know what happened then read about it on Geek Girls Guide.
The entire situation is ultra effed up and Hoss Gifford, whoever he is, should probably be stricken from doing any presentations ever let alone giving a keynote. Flashbelt is also at fault for letting him actually do that presentation. I’m pretty sure they never would have let him do that presentation if they had screened it beforehand, which is standard operation for any conference. And where was the event manager to pull the plug when he was being so vulgar?
Flashbelt has openly appologized, which is great and exactly what they should be doing.
Conferences aren’t a middle school boys club, they’re professional events. Act accordingly.
Well, I don’t know about that, but damn is it brilliant. Just saw this on digitalbuzz about BooneOakley’s website. It’s such a sweet idea that I couldn’t resist telling everyone about it.
Seriously, a seemlessly interactive video website that’s fun, engaging and truely interesting… what more can you ask for?
I want to see more of these wickedly sweet concept sites!
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