AR

Keep a look out for Google’s AR glasses next time you’re out for a stroll.

This past January, reports began circulating that Google was in the development of its own augmented reality (AR) glasses that enable wearers to blend virtual graphics with the real world. During its I/O event in May, the company offered us our first real look at the device, teasing real-time language translation.

Earlier today, Google announced plans to begin testing its much-talked-about AR prototypes in select parts of the United States beginning next month, according to a new update from the company.

“Augmented reality (AR) is opening up new ways to interact with the world around us. It can help us quickly and easily access the information we need — like understanding another language or knowing how best to get from point A to point B,” said the company in a blog post. “For example, we recently shared an early AR prototype we’ve been testing in our labs that puts real-time translation and transcription directly in your line of sight.”

“However, testing only in a lab environment has its limitations. So starting next month, we plan to test AR prototypes in the real world.”

According to Google, real-world testing will allow them to better understand how these AR prototypes can be most effective in our day-to-day lives. The company will begin with a few dozen testers composed of Google employees and “select trusted testers.” These testers will have “strict limitations” on what they are able to do and where they will be able to go.

While these AR prototypes do feature “visual and audio sensors,” they are not capable of photography and videography. Image data captured by the glasses will be used for purposes such as navigation and translation, such as guiding operators to a specific destination or translating food menus.

Once the experience has been completed, Google says that the image data will be deleted within 30 days, minus any information needed for analysis and debugging. Bystanders can tell if image data is being collected via an LED indicator located on the device and can request that the data be deleted by the tester.

“It’s early, and we want to get this right, so we’re taking it slow, with a strong focus on ensuring the privacy of the testers and those around them,” added the company. “You can read more details about our limited public testing efforts for AR prototypes in the Google Help Center. As we continue to explore and learn what’s possible with AR, we look forward to sharing more updates.

For more information visit here.

Image Credit: Google

Have you ever wondered what you might look like with facial hair?

With the YouCam Makeup app, you can “try on” virtual beards before committing to the look.

The app is powered by a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) technology. With the tap of a button, you can experiment with 15 styles of facial hair, including a classic goatee, a Tony Starke-style anchor beard, a simple mustache, old-school mutton chops, and more.

All you have to do is snap a selfie using your smartphone’s camera and select the beard of your choice. The app can even be used to remove facial hair, showing you what your face looks like cleanly shaved. While there are several options you can try for free, a majority of the available styles are hidden behind a paywall.

“We are excited to continue expanding our in-app virtual try-on effects across the men’s grooming category, and offer YouCam Makeup app users a fun, interactive, true-to-life try-on for experiencing facial hair styles,” said Perfect Corp. Founder and CEO, Alice Chang, in an official release.

“The advanced GAN, AI and AR-powered effects introduce a heightened level of discovery and experimentation within the men’s grooming journey that we know users will love.”

While the virtual beard option may be new, YouCam Makeup has been offering virtual fashion and style options for some time now. The app can be used to alter the color of your hair, experiment with various makeup styles, and edit out blemishes. You can even reshape parts of your face, all from your personal smartphone device.

YouCam Makeup: Selfie Editor is available for free on iOS and Android devices. As previously mentioned, you’ll need to pay a subscription fee in order to access premium features.

Image Credit: Perfect Corp.

Immersive technology brings the stage to life like never before.

Students from the South Korean Hongik University have developed a pair of reimagined 19th-century opera glasses that utilize AR technology to immerse spectators in Broadway shows in a variety of unique and imaginative ways. The device is compatible with popular shows such as Wicked, Aladdin, Cats, Mamma Mia, and Frozen.

The René AR glasses feature a handful of unique features designed to enhance live performances. This includes two light ambient sensors capable of projecting AR background effects on-stage in real-time. They can also be used to alter the color of an actor’s costume and visualize live audio spoken during a performance.

As if that weren’t cool enough, there’s an adjustable magnifying glass built into the right lens that allows the wearer to zoom into the performance for a better look. According to the team, the glasses can also be used to guide users to and from their seats, check in for shows, and interact with the cast.

In addition to visuals, René also provides several interesting options for controlling your audio experience. A bone conduction transducer built into the arms of the device allows you to adjust the volume of certain audio elements. Users can select what sounds they’d like to prioritize at any moment, such as music or an actor’s voice.

The René AR glasses can be rented for Broadway performances via the TKTS ticket office. While spectators are required to return the device at the end of the show, they are allowed to keep the custom strap featuring designs based on their respective Broadway shows. Disposable face pads promise a hygienic experience for each wearer.  

“[René] aims to maximize the show experience through AR guidance and check-in to the theater, stage effect, and interaction with visitors,” said the development team, adding, “AR glasses are provided with a dedicated case when renting, and straps provided differently depending on the show you watch can be kept as a souvenir.”

For more information on these next-gen AR glasses visit here.

Image Credit: Jaeyoung Cho

The Magic Leap 2 will be available for purchase starting at $3,299 through select partners.

American startup company Magic Leap has announced the official price and specs of the Magic Leap 2, its latest mixed reality headset designed for professionals and developers. The company has already teased a suite of new features, including eye-tracking cameras as well as dynamic dimming lenses capable of adjusting the amount of light transmission.

Today the company revealed that the Magic Leap 2 will be available this September starting at $3,299. There’s also the Magic Leap 2 Developer Pro for $4,099 which includes additional developer tools, sample projects, and enterprise-grade features, as well as the Magic Leap 2 Enterprise for $5,000, which is designed for large-scale IT deployments.

The company also revealed the official specs of the device which you’ll find below:

The Magic Leap 2 will be available for purchase on September 30th through select partners in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with plans for release in Japan and Singapore by the end of the year. Each headset comes with a compute pack and controller as well as the following components:

For more information visit magicleap.com.

Image Credit: Magic Leap

Immersive technology could change the hospitality industry forever.

Moxy Hotels, a chain of stylish hotels owned by Marriot, today announced the Moxy Universe, Play Beyond, an augmented reality (AR) experience that allows guests to interact with the hotel in a variety of unique ways.

Starting now until the end of the year, visitors can use their mobile devices to explore 12 Moxy Hotels from Shanghai to Tokyo using a virtual avatar. Ahead of their stay, guests can use the Moxy mobile app to begin customizing their digital persona with different outfits, accessories, and hairstyles.

Upon arriving at the bar of the hotel, which doubles as the front desk, guests can scan a QR code to view “holographic projections” and snap a few selfies with their avatar. unlock at least five challenges that will have them exploring every part of the hotel from their bedroom to the gym.

For example, snapping a photo with your avatar at the 24/7 Grab & Go snack station and hashtagging #moxyuniverse will unlock an additional challenge. According to the company, by completing these challenges you’ll have the opportunity to win “great prizes.”

“We are very excited to launch the ‘Moxy Universe, Play Beyond’ experience across all Moxy hotels in the Asia Pacific region,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President, Brand Marketing and Brand Management Asia Pacific, Marriott International.

“Moxy has always challenged the status quo by inviting guests to live in the moment. With the campaign, we are bringing Moxy’s ‘Play On’ spirit to another dimension through fun, immersive experiences while creating greater connections with our guests.”

For more information visit moxyuniverse.com.

Image Credit: Marriott Bonvoy