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This Snapchat AR Lens Turns You Into A Ninja Turtle

August 7, 2023 From vrscout

“Turtle Power” meets AR power.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is officially in theaters and so far fans and critics alike can’t get enough of Seth Rogan’s take on the pizza-loving crime-fighting team. The animated motion picture currently has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and performing well at the box office.

To help keep that momentum going, Paramount Pictures has partnered with the popular social media app, Snapchat, on a new augmented reality (AR) Lens that lets you step into the shoes (shells?) of each of the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

Available now on iOS and Android devices, the ‘TMNT Mutant Mayhem Lens’ features full face and body-tracking technology, allowing you to control each of the four turtles like a puppet using your own body. As you move your arms, legs, and head, your virtual counterpart mirrors your actions in real-time.

“This Lens demonstrates both the immersive qualities of our AR technology and boundless creativity of our Snapchat Lens creators,” said Laurel Duquette, Snap’s senior manager of advertiser solutions, in an official release.

Those interested can try the TMNT Mutant Mayhem Lens now via the Snapchat app, available for free on iOS and Android devices. Simply scan the QR code provided above using the app. You can also visit this link here.

Feature Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

Snapchat Is Offering A New Way For AR Creators To Earn Money

August 1, 2023 From vrscout

The popular social media app doubles down on augmented reality.

Snap Inc. today announced the launch of Lens Creator Rewards, a new program that will reward the creators of top-performing Snapchat Lenses. Every month, Snap will be giving up to $7,200 to the creator of the most popular Lens in the United States, India, and Mexico.

The program is open to both new and existing Lens Studio members across roughly 40 countries. According to Snap, eligible Lenses include everything from virtual try-on experiences to full-blown augmented reality (AR) scenes.

Credit: Snap Inc.

“Snapchatters love Lenses built by our global AR community of more than 300,000 AR creators, developers, and teams around the world,” said Joseph Darko, global head of AR Developer Relations at Snap Inc, in an official release. “At Snap, we’re committed to rewarding the value that AR creators bring to the platform as they advance their skills and grow their businesses through the new Lens Creator Rewards Program.”

Snap states that its community of over 300,000 AR creators has developed more than 3 million Lenses with views numbering in the trillions. No doubt this new program will only further encourage the development of AR Lenses for the popular social media app.

For more information on the Lens Creator Rewards program visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Snap Inc.

AR Murals Bring Bruce Lee To Life In NY & LA

July 7, 2023 From vrscout

After long last, season three of the popular martial arts crime drama Warrior has finally begun airing on Max (formerly HBO Max).

To help promote the new episodes, Max teamed up with a handful of multicultural artists to create a series of interactive murals powered by augmented reality (AR) technology. Each mural features a QR code that, when scanned, brings the 2D images to life in the real world.

Credit: Max

Fans of the show can interact with three murals scattered across the United States. One mural is located in Los Angeles and was created by Swank One. A second mural, created by Vincent Ballantine, can be found in New York, and a third by Vogue + Agana in San Francisco. Here are the specific addresses of each mural for those interested:

New York – 149 Hester Street, New York, NY
Los Angeles – 1200 S Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco – 965 Clay Street, San Francisco, CA

“Seeing Warrior return for our 3rd season during this 50th anniversary year for my father is just the ultimate celebration of his legacy,” said Shannon Lee, executive producer on Warrior, president of the Bruce Lee Foundation, and Bruce Lee’s daughter, in an official release.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our show, our cast, our crew, and the impact our show continues to have and the entertainment it continues to serve up and celebrating through art and interactivity in 3 cities across the country all at once is just an amazing way for a lot of people to get in on the fun!”

For more information check out the official release here.

Feature Image Credit: Max

Snap’s AR Mirror Could Be At Your Next Music Festival

June 14, 2023 From vrscout

AR-powered fashion invades the live music scene.

Snap, Inc., the company behind the uber-popular social media app Snapchat, is partnering with Verizon to bring its immersive augmented reality (AR) mirrors to music festivals later this summer.

According to the advertising trade publication Adweek, these AR mirrors will allow festivalgoers to access popular Snapchat Lenses powered by machine learning technology. This includes the infamous Shook Lens, which transforms the user into what I can only describe as a sadistic serial killer. Based on the images provided by Snap Inc., the popular Cartoon 3D Style Lens may also be available.

Credit: Snap, Inc.

Those who attend these select events in person can scan a QR code to unlock 3-months of Snapchat+, a premium subscription service that offers experimental and pre-release features.

“It’s no secret Snapchatters absolutely thrive in the live music scene and are looking forward to the summer music festival season,” said Jill Popelka, head of AR Enterprise Services at Snap. “We’re so excited to collaborate with Verizon … and also showcase the versatility of our AR Mirrors in providing on-the-ground, immersive experiences for brands.”

The installation premiered earlier this month at Governors Ball in New York and will make an appearance at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival from June 15th to the 18th. We’re not sure at this time which other music festivals will feature Snap’s AR mirrors, so keep a look out the next time you find yourself at a rave!

I had the chance to try a version of Snap’s AR mirror technology at the Snap Partner Summit earlier this year. Upon walking in front of the “mirror,” I was instantly adorned with virtual apparel that conformed with my body and moved with me in real time. No doubt these types of virtual try-on experiences will become more prevalent over the coming years.

Feature Image Credit: Snap, Inc.

Holograms Are Coming To California State Parks

June 8, 2023 From vrscout

Download the Virtual Adventurer app now to explore 9 California State Parks in immersive AR.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation is using augmented reality (AR) technology to enhance your in-park experience at 9 participating state parks. This includes futuristic holograms, digital reconstructions, and 3D imagery highlighting California’s various cultural, historic, and natural resources.

The experience is accessible via the new Virtual Adventurer app, available now on iOS & Android devices. Developed by digital experience and exhibition firm TimeLooper Inc., the AR-powered app features a number of experiences, from tours of Coyote Canyon in what is now the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to Chinatown at Bodie State Historic Park.

Credit: California State Parks

“We’re excited to launch the Virtual Adventurer app that further provides opportunities for Californians to access the cultural, historic, and natural resources found across our beautiful state,” said California State Parks director Armando Quintero in an official release.

“The app also supports and enhances the department’s Reexamining Our Past Initiative by developing content for parks that tells a more complete, accurate, and inclusive history of people and places.”

The following California State Parks currently feature support for the Virtual Adventurer app (as provided by the California Department of Parks and Recreation):

“Helping park visitors to create deeper and more meaningful experiences in state parks is vitally important to connecting us all to the rich history of these places,” added Parks California Community Engagement director Myrian Solis Coronel.

“Through this app and emerging digital technology, we hope these tools will help all visitors see themselves as part of these special places and feel a sense of belonging. Parks California, along with other park partners like Jack London Park Partners, Point Lobos Foundation, Tribal Nations, and university partners are also supporting content development.”

The Virtual Adventurer app is available now on iOS & Android devices. Simply download the app from the App Store or Google Play or scan the QR code provided above. The app features a number of accessibility features, including audio descriptions, dyslexic font, and more.

For more information visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Travel In USA

AR Turns Your Car Into A Transformers Robot

June 2, 2023 From vrscout

“Autobots, transform and roll out.”

Snap Inc. is back with yet another creative augmented reality (AR) experience for its popular social media app, Snapchat, that turns your personal vehicle into a giant mechanical robot from the long-running Transformers series.

Available just in time for the new Transformers: Rise of the Beasts movie, the “Transform Your Car” Lens was built by Paramount Pictures using SnapML, Snap’s machine learning technology. According to Adweek, the filter can supposedly convert any car into a virtual Cybertronian, no matter the model, year, or color.

Credit: Paramount Pictures

All you have to do is open the Lens on your smartphone device and point the camera at your car. The Lens will then automatically scan your vehicle and digitally reassemble it into a Transformers robot of a similar style. After creating a robot, the Lens blurs your car in the background, allowing you to focus all of your attention on your new robot companion.

You can find the “Transform Your Car” filter in the Lens carousel in the Snapchat app, available for free on iOS and Android devices. For more information visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Paramount Pictures

Try On Nail Polish In AR With Snapchat’s New Lens

May 27, 2023 From vrscout

You can also sample a range of new lip colors from Supergoop!.

Social media giant Snapchat is back with even more fashion-forward Lenses powered by augmented reality (AR) technology. These latest filters allow you to virtually sample a new range of new beauty products available now in stores.

The first is an AR Try-On Lens developed in collaboration with Supergoop! that allows you to try on (get it?) four different colors of Lipshade, a new product from the popular skincare brand. Snap also partnered with American nail polish manufacturer OPI to launch the Nail Lacquer Lens featuring 8 different nail polish shades brought to life on your hands in AR.

Credit: Snap Inc.

The Nail Lacquer Lens makes use of Snap’s Nails Segmentation technology, which allows you to easily swipe between different colors on your hands in real-time.

“With the Snap Camera, every product is personalized to the shopper, allowing you to try on items in your own space, to make more informed decisions,” said Snap in an official release. “We can’t wait to see how Snapchatters use, share, and shop these new Lenses from Supergoop! and OPI.”

You can check out the new Supergoop! AR try-on Lens here. Those interested in trying out Snap’s Nail Segmentation technology can sample the Nail Lacquer Lens here. For more information about both Lenses check out Snap’s official blog update.

Feature Image Credit: Snap Inc.

Vologram Messages – 3D Holograms From 2D Video

May 25, 2023 From vrscout

Build your very own 3D hologram and view it anywhere using augmented reality technology.

Volograms, an artificial intelligence (AI) company, today announced Vologram Messages, a new system powered by AI that’s capable of converting standard video into interactive holograms. A new-and-improved version of its original Vologram platform, this latest release promises to further simplify holographic content creation.

Instead of expanse cameras or complex sensors, Vologram Messages uses AI technology to convert your run-of-the-mill 2D video file into a 3D volumetric hologram. The company says all you have to do is capture a video with audio (up to two minutes) and upload the video to Volograms’ cloud servers, at which point the file will be automatically converted into a 3D hologram.

Credit: Volograms

You can then use a smartphone device to view your creation in augmented reality (AR) by implementing it into a WebAR template; no app download is required. According to Volograms, Vologram Messages is designed for professional use, from businesses to individuals, for a variety of uses. This includes everything from high-tech marketing announcements and engaging call-to-actions to futuristic wedding invites.

“From the moment Volograms was founded, our goal was fairly simple: we wanted to create a way to make volumetric holograms accessible to anyone and everyone,” said Rafa Pagés, Volograms’ CEO, in an official release.

“With the introduction of Vologram Messages, we can now offer businesses and organizations a way to simplify the 3D hologram creation process and make it accessible to everyone. For a business looking to announce, promote, sell, or even just engage with their own teams, this is an easy and affordable way to stand out.”

In addition to the aforementioned features included with Vologram Messages, Volograms also offers more advanced services to select partners. The company has also partnered with volumetric video editing and streaming company Arcturus to provide more powerful cloud streaming.

The company is offering free trials to those interested in trying the service for themselves. For more information visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Volograms

Daft Punk Launches AR Experiences ‘Around The World’

May 9, 2023 From vrscout

“Get Lucky” with three new immersive experiences available in major cities across the globe.

The legendary electronic duo Daft Punk is back (sort of) with a series of interactive augmented reality (AR) experiences created in celebration of the upcoming release of Random Access Memories 10th Anniversary Edition.

Developed by Snapchat’s AR Studio in collaboration with Daft Punk’s creative team, Daft Punk: Memories Unlocked is composed of 3 unique AR experiences available on iOS and Android devices via the Snapchat app.

Credit: Snap Inc.

The first AR experience, available tomorrow, offers fans the chance to discover a track “hidden in plain sight” for 10 years. Released exclusively in Japan back in 2013, “Horizons” will be available to the rest of the world for the first time. Simply scan the original Random Access Memories album cover with your Snapchat camera to get started.

A silver and gold helmet will then appear in your real-world environment. You can even flip the camera around and “wear” the crystal helmet as you groove to the music.

The second experience takes fans on an IRL treasure hunt in search of a unique location-based AR experience. The filter will be available in 10 major cities around the globe, including Berlin (Germany), Buenos Aires (Argentina), London (UK), Los Angeles (USA), Mexico City (Mexico), New York (USA), Paris (France), São Paulo (Brazil), Sydney (Australia), Tokyo (Japan).

On Thursday, May 11th at 10:00 am local time at the aforementioned locations, specific GPS coordinates will be posted on official Daft Punk social media channels directing fans to each of the location-based AR experiences.

The final experience, an augmented billboard campaign, will take place from May 11th-28th in Berlin, Liverpool, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, New York, Paris, and Sydney. Fans can use the Snapchat camera to scan QR codes printed on each of the 6 billboards to access the crystal helmet and “Horizon” track.

“When we met with Daft Punk’s creative and management team earlier this year, we immediately saw their interest in augmented reality,” said Donatien Bozon, director of the AR Studio, in an official release.

“This technology allows us to enrich the experience around a work of art and to create innovative and creative interactions between an artist and its audience,” he added. “We have worked very collaboratively with the Daft Punk team and are very excited for fans to discover the AR experiences created around the cult album Random Access Memories.”

For more information on Daft Punk: Memories Unlocked visit here. Those interested will need to download the Snapchat app, available free on iOS & Android devices.

Feature Image Credit: Snap Inc.

Snap’s Partner Summit Was Basically An AR Playground

April 27, 2023 From vrscout

This year’s festivities included augmented reality fashion, star-studded panels, and more.

Best known for its popular messaging app Snapchat, Snap Inc. has made incredible strides in the realm of immersive technology.

Last week, the company held its 2023 Partner Summit in Santa Monica, California, inviting everyone from famous influencers to major corporations to try the latest iterations of its next-gen augmented reality (AR) technology. We were lucky enough to attend Snap’s in-person festivities and sufficeth to say the company has something special on its hands.

Upon entering the historic Barker Hangar, I found myself surrounded by a plethora of activations, including food, entertainment, and, of course, a copious amount of interactive experiences. Some guests were even provided with a 3D-printed model of their personal Bitmoji; a nice touch to an already fantastic event.

Heading deeper into the event space I discovered a range of AR mirrors powered by Snap’s AR Try-On technology. One installation, for instance, allowed me to try on a small catalog of high-end garments from Christian Dior, minus the need for a changing room.

As I stepped in front of the futuristic portal, my real-world outfit was instantly replaced by virtual clothing that moved with my body in real time. I’d be lying if I said the experience didn’t make me feel absolutely fabulous; as did the AR-enabled Coca-Cola machine, which allowed me to compose original music using a series of virtual instruments before rewarding me with a delicious beverage.

After attending a panel featuring Snapchat stars David Dobrik and JoJo Siwa, I had the chance to check out Snap’s Fit Finder, an artificial intelligence (AI) system that offers detailed size recommendations based on a customer’s specific body shape. The process begins by scanning the user, after which they can cycle through a variety of outfits to see how they’d look before purchase.

Trying it out for myself, I was pleasantly surprised by how seamless and engaging the experience felt. After being scanned I was able to “try on” several different sweatshirts before moving to a second station where I entered some simple personal information. The system then detected my ideal size and I was given the physical product, which fits great by the way (thanks Snap).

Before heading to the final keynote featuring Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, I attended an AR-powered art tour led by Sophia Dominguez, director of AR Platform Partnerships at Snap.

As she guided us throughout the event space, we used the Snapchat app to unlock location-based AR activations created by a handful of talented Snap creators. This included a weightlifting jukebox, a colorful icecream cone accompanied by an orbiting sea turtle, and an adorable groundhog-like creature nestled comfortably in a bed of virtual flowers.

“What we realized is where augmented reality really shines is in places where people can come together. And so what Snapchat has been really great at is helping close friends and family connect with one another,” said Sophia while speaking to VRScout.

“And the best way to do that is, usually, in-person doing some sort of activity. So whether that’s going to a concert, shopping together, exploring locations together, going on an art tour together; there’s just something really unique about making augmented reality bring value to people’s lives.”

At the end of the day, Snap Partner Summit 2023 was a big win for the company. In the course of a single afternoon, attendees were exposed to a generous amount of captivating activations that teased the future of consumer shopping and digital fashion.

What started as an anonymous social media app has since expanded into technological empire fueling the next generation of AR technology. The company has even released its own AI chatbot, simply referred to as My AI.

For more information on Snap’s latest happenings, visit snap.com.

Feature Image Credit: VRScout