1. Augmented Reality Enterprise Solutions for the Maritime Industry from TWNKLS
Last week Twnkls, augmented reality is a full-service Augmented Reality agency based in Netherlands, has presented some innovative demos for the maritime industry at the Europost conference in Ahoy Rotterdam.
Product demos the company showcased at the conference highlighted the ways augmented reality can be useful in safety familiarization and evacuation situations on vessels as well as in providing instructions for repair and maintenance of mechanical engines and other equipment used on the vessels.
CTO Lex van der Sluijs: ”Augmented Reality as technology is maturing fast, which makes it possible to create solutions to improve businesses and solve business problems. We see a lot of possibilities for these AR Enterprise Solutions for the Maritime Industry, which can be applied to educational and training purposes for maintenance and safety. AR can truly help in familiarization with a ship in a whole new and effective way.”
2. Meet inFORM, an Interactive Dynamic Shape Display that Physically Renders 3D Content
The Tangible Media Group at MIT, led by Professor Hiroshi Ishii, created inFORM, a Dynamic Shape Display that can render 3D content physically, so users can interact with digital information in a tangible way.
inFORM facilitates the real-time movement of physical “pixels” on a table surface that move in accordance with data from a Kinect motion sensing input device. The system allows people to remotely manipulate objects from a distance, physically interact with data or temporary objects, and could open the door to a wide variety of gaming, medical, or other interactive scenarios where people might be in remote locations.
You can see more by watching the video:
3. Overcoming Blindness with Special Eyeware
Mentioning the topic of eyeware for legally blind people just in the previous digest I couldn’t imagine that more exciting examples would come my way so soon.
MaRS client and Investment Accelerator Fund portfolio company eSight Corporation has announced the launch of eSight eyewear, intelligent eyewear that enables people with legal blindness or low vision to see. eSight eyeware can digitally optimize video coming through cameras on the device in such a way that awakens the residual function of the remaining, functioning neurons or cones. The eSight-enhanced image causes the remaining photoreceptors to send an improved signal to the brain.
eSight eyeware claims to be able to help people with such problems as macular degeneration, ocular albinism, Diabetic Retinopathy, Cone-Rod Dystrophy, Some forms of Glaucoma and other low vision conditions.
Right now the cost of such eyeware is about $10,000 and they are available only in the United States and Canada.
Impressed by the videos of OrCam glasses and the one of eSight it would be interesting to hear feedback from the people who can actually benefit from devices like this. This technology is still new, but evolving pretty fast. Let’s hope devices like eyeware for visually impaired could really change the world for better.
URL: http://www.esighteyewear.com/
4. Denny’s Hobbit QR Campaign
It is always interesting to see that more brands are incorporating augmented reality of QR codes into their marketing campaigns. It indicates that mobile technologies plays more significant role in marketing as a decision-making tool nowadays.
Recently Denny’s did a good job incorporating QR codes with Warner Bros. movie “The Hobbit” into their promotional materials. Three QR codes on the placemats in all 1680 location around America created a big buzz around the movie expected in cinemas on Dec,13,2013 as well as engaging customers with some entertaining materials while waiting for the food to be ready. Use of codes also had a strong social element giving The Hobbit fans a chance to win exclusive gold coins from the latest installment of the trilogy on Denny’s social channels.
One of the QR codes links to exclusive content from the movie, another one links to a behind the scenes look at Denny’s TV ad for the promotion. The third QR code links to a mobile social game called Hobbit Kingdom of Middle Earth.
“It is looking to engage with this audience with a different form of communication,” Erik Jensen, the director of advertising and merchandising at Denny’s Corp., said. “There is no greater merchandising than the placemat, especially once you’ve ordered and you are waiting. This gives you something to do and a way to interact with the brand.”
5. McDonald’s Adding Some Fun Augmented Reality Experience to its Fundraising Campaign
This year, as a ‘thank-you’ for participating in the “Give-a-Hand” fundraiser, McDonald’s will celebrate donations by bringing the fun and magic of Ronald McDonald to life with a special and personalized ‘thank you!’ After purchasing a hand, donors may upload and use the free Augmented Reality app for a one-of-a-kind message from Ronald McDonald himself. This experience is dedicated to thanking those customers who have demonstrated their commitment to their communities by making a donation.
Everyone donating during November 10th – 20th, 2013 can enjoy the new augmented reality experience from McDonald’s.
URL:http://news.mcdonalds.com/US/news-stories/McDonald-s-USA-Kicks-Off-Annual-Ronald-McDonald-Ho
6. Google Glass and Wearables Hackathon
For those, who are in London on November, 30th and have an interesting mobile app with augmented reality features, there is an interesting opportunity to participate in the first Google Glass and Wearables Hackathon in London organized by Nonlinear Labs, a new alternative startup incubator focused on the intersection of IoT, wearables and contextual computing.
The hackathon will be featuring Google Glass, Lean Motion Controller, Pebble Smartwatch, Fitbid Activity Tracker and Estimote Beacons.
URL: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/google-glass-and-wearables-hackathon-tickets-9260154371
AR applications:
- AR SuperCars
- messerli 3D
- McDonalrd’s AR
- Marina Square AR Christmas
- AR Action Sport Games
- Digitalic 2.0
- CVision AR
- Virtually Melted
- Gloucester Citizen AR
- Property Report Interactive
- Cokesbury VBS Workshop of Wonders
- Augustin’s Treasure – the Pirates’ Island
- Chadstone’s Magical World of Christmas – Augmented Reality
- MagicLetters
- AR Dinosaurios
- Ennis-Flint
- Brrokfield AR
- 3R Trends
- be visionar
Prepared by: