Sony Launches Branded Premium Large Format Theater System
The Sony Digital Cinema offing includes Sony laser projection with support for 4K and high dynamic range images, Dolby Atmos sound and reclining seats. If purchased, the projection and sound systems represent an investment upward of $1 million, though Sony declined to comment on the business arrangement with the theaters.
The first location, slated to open in the spring with a 70-foot screen, will be Galaxy Theatres' Las Vegas Boulevard Mall venue. Sony is targeting theater-owners confab CinemaCon (April 1-4) for its grand opening.
While Sony Digital Cinema will launch with the company's high-end laser projectors, it also has been developing a theatrical system that would replace the cinema screen with an LED screen. Reposo told THRit's "possible" that Sony could later move to offering the LED screen as part of this new PLF system, saying the company believes LED cinema could have "'significant impact" on the business. (Sony won't be showing the LED screen at CinemaCon, where it will instead highlight the new PLF system. A week after CinemaCon, a 32-foot Sony LED screen will be exhibited at the NAB Show, also in Las Vegas.)
See the full story here: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/sony-launches-branded-premium-large-format-theater-system-1186263
Oculus Returns To E3 2019 With ‘The Latest From Studios’
[PhilNote - with the death of VRLA, this E3 could be important for immersive media in LA.]
The show runs from June 11th – 13th.
Asgard’s Wrath likely isn’t the only thing Oculus will have to talk about at E3, though. Current upcoming Studios titles include Insomniac’s Stormland, Ready at Dawn’s Lone Echo II and Respawn’s Rift-exclusive shooter. Not to mention that, by E3, we expect Oculus to have launched its Quest standalone headset. That’s sure to bring about a raft of new VR titles to talk about too.
2019 is an interesting year for E3 in general. It’ll be the third year in a row that the show will be open to the public. More importantly, though, we know Sony has no plans to attend this year’s show. With no PSVR announcements at E3, it could be Oculus’ show to lose on the VR front. But what do HTC and/or Valve have in-store?
DEAL 2019 in Dubai to unleash robots, drones, virtual reality concepts aimed at African markets
“Today, there is a massive behavioral change in African millennials. They are changing their spending patterns, from markets to malls, where they can eat, socialize and get entertained at Family Entertainment Centers (FEC)s apart from shopping. With this change in behaviour they also need engaging and immersive experience to support their entertainment appetite. This has given rise to new gaming concepts such as VR and now they are further engaged by Robots who can serve them food and beverages,” stated Sharif Rahman, CEO of International Expo Consults (IEC).
“The African stakeholders who visit DEAL can also visit the VR Parks in UAE to know the potential and also to know how they are growing their revenues. The facility can remain the same, however, the software and the games need to be upgraded and changed which is not as expensive as changing the whole interiors of the facility. In Dubai, there are many options for VR based rides in Hub Zero, Virtual Worlds, Magic Planet among others, an exclusive VR Park in Dubai Mall has also changed the face of entertainment in the city,” concluded Mr. Rahman.
See the full story here; http://www.africanews.com/2019/02/13/deal-2019-in-dubai-to-unleash-robots-drones-virtual-reality-concepts-aimed-at-african-markets/
Top 4 Tips for Creating OOH Augmented Reality Experiences
OOH Augmented Reality: Through the Ages
In terms of OOH Augmented Reality events, it all began in 2009 with Hand from Above. This was followed by Lynx Angel Ambush, the first large-format branded AR execution to run OOH. It was pioneering for its time and won widespread industry approval as well as being applauded by the public. Shortly after saw Disney Parks ‘Memories’ pushing the boundaries with live-action characters augmented into Times Square, and multiple participants taking part simultaneously.
The hard work of introducing the technology to the masses has been done. The appetite from both brands and consumers alike is there. Now the challenge is to continue to innovate whilst delivering quality events that resonate with the audience. It’s an exciting place to work, and I for one can’t wait to continue pushing the boundaries of AR in all its variations across the DOOH landscape.
See the full story here: https://www.digitalsignageconnection.com/top-4-tips-for-creating-ooh-augmented-reality-experiences
As Apple and Google Compete in Augmented Reality, Each Has Distinct Strengths
Google, which just launched a new AR mode for Google Maps, should have a powerful set of cloud services available for AR headsets. But Apple might be able to offer unmatched hardware, as well as tight iPhone integration.
When a user lifts up his or her phone while the AR mode is engaged, more than half the screen shows a rear-camera view with superimposed AR content such as arrows and street names. The rest of the screen shows a traditional Maps view, with a blue arrow and dots letting users know their current location and planned route. ...it's meant to be a complement in urban areas where a phone's GPS and digital compass may not be completely reliable.
Services such as Lens and Maps' AR mode highlight how well-positioned Google, aided by its user data, Maps data, knowledge graph and arguably unmatched machine learning strengths, is to deliver a powerful set of cloud services for mass-market augmented reality headsets. In addition to Lens and Maps, Google's ability to integrate Google Assistant, which frequently comes out on top in voice assistant tests, into an AR headset platform is a valuable strength. And so is its ability to bake in services such as Gmail and YouTube.
On the other hand, Apple, which just named a long-time iPhone marketing exec its first AR marketing chief and is reportedly prepping an AR/VR headset that could launch in 2020, has a different set of AR strengths. Chief among them is Apple's superb mobile hardware and chip engineering capabilities, which could make a huge difference in an AR headset market where -- though progress is gradually being made -- current products (such as Google Glass and Microsoft's (MSFT - Get Report) first-gen HoloLens) tend to have major limitations in terms of processing power, display quality, portability and/or battery life. With regards to display quality in particular, Apple's 2018 acquisition of Akonia Holographics, a startup that was working on AR lenses, should help its cause.
See the full story here: https://www.thestreet.com/opinion/google-and-apple-compete-augmented-reality-14863645
Snapchat augmented reality turns empty store into virtual Lego shop
Augmented reality technology is being used to transform an empty store into a virtual Lego clothing shop that customers can explore on their smartphone using Snapchat.
A pop-up shop selling a limited-edition Lego Wear clothing line for adults opens in Fitzrovia, London today only, but the physical building is actually empty, except for a Snapcode that Snapchat users can scan on their way in, transporting them into a virtual Lego boutique.
Snapchat’s AR technology allows people to move around and see different parts of the store on their smartphone screens, which includes an interactive DJ booth, an arcade machine and the ability to look through the clothing range displayed on Lego mannequins.
The one-day event, which takes place at 55 Eastcastle Street from 10am to 5pm, will allow people to buy products online through an integrated “Shop now” feature in the app.
See the full story here: https://www.expressandstar.com/news/viral-news/2019/02/13/snapchat-augmented-reality-turns-empty-store-into-virtual-lego-shop/
10 best ARKit apps: Our pick of iOS augmented reality apps
PhilNote: Here are the 3 apps that don't involve placing or measuring things. There are links to all 10 in the article.
3. Giphy World
If you love GIFs, check out the repository Giphy. Its latest app, Giphy World, lets you add AR-powered 3D GIFs to the world around you and you can record video, too. You then share your creations with friends who also have the app, enabling you to communicate in AR.
7. NightSky
Night Sky lets you identify stars, planets, constellations, and satellites. It has a "Grand Orrery" premium feature (costs £1.99/$1.99 a month) that lets you see the Solar System in your home. You can walk around it, zoom in on planets, and explore - all in AR.
9. Fitness AR
This app uses social fitness-tracking app Strava's API. With Fitness AR, athletes can see their routes on a 3D terrain map powered by Mapbox. Another cool feature is screen recording. With it, you pan and zoom through routes and create a video that can be shared.
See the full story here: https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/142315-best-arkit-enabled-augmented-reality-apps-for-iphone-ipad
Not Impossible Lab
Founded on the principle of Technology for the Sake of Humanity, Not Impossible Labs LLC is a one-of-a-kind, award winning technology incubator and content studio dedicated to changing the world through technology and story.
Current technology initiatives include:
- Music: Not Impossible. A “surround body” music experience featuring innovative Vibrotextile™ technology. M:NI wearables provide music access to the deaf community and an enhanced music experience for all.
- Vaccine: Not Impossible. Overcoming the "Last Mile" obstacles that prevent vaccines from reaching remote communities .
- Absurdity Projects. The Absurdity Program is how Not Impossible crowd-solves issues of inability and inaccessibility looking to provide low cost solutions that allow the most vulnerable among us to survive and thrive. From "blind skateboarding" to designing a light weight power wheelchair, we run our program to discover an absurdity and solve for 'One'.
- Not Impossible Awards. The Not Impossible Awards recognizes the work and stories of people and companies who share Not Impossible's mission to create technology for the sake of humanity.
See the full story here: https://www.notimpossible.com