Jaunt is primarily known for the high quality virtual reality (VR) films it produces, as well as distributing other creators work and most recently their XR platform – a turn key and enterprise solution for media companies, IP holders or mobile operators looking to build or integrate immersive content. VRFocus has previously covered Jaunt’s partnership with NTT DATA, a global innovation and technology services company, but for those looking for a more in-depth look at the XR platform VRFocus spoke to Jaunt’s international general manager Dominic Collins.
At CES 2018 Jaunt demonstrated the capabilities of its XR platform having previously launched it a month earlier. Jaunt’s hoping that large media companies can use the XR platform to focus on creating good immersive content, without having to worry about the hardware or software. The purpose of the XR platform is to distribute high quality immersive content to a global audience no matter which hardware or head-mounted display (HMD) is currently available.The XR platform includes a media manager, player engine and intelligence suite in order to help manage, distribute and get insights from the content that is being distributed.
Essentially, one would take a a single gold quality high res version of a film, upload to XR platform and this where the XR platform creates up to 42 different versions of that file for different distribution platforms. This includes various types of audio ranging from stereo, mono, ambisonics which includes Dolby Atmos. The XR platform exists via the cloud and allows for different languages and subtitles as well.
The immersive content can then be viewed on various HMD’s or smart devices such as the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR, Google Daydream, Samsung Gear VR, Android, iOs devices, Windows Mixed Reality HMD’s and web GL. As hardware and devices change, the platform will be able to accommodate them.
The intelligence suite allows for the standard analytics, but adds heatmapping to record where viewers look during the experience. Jaunt has added a special tool called Compass which allows viewers to see the experience based on crowd sourcing data from previous viewers analytics, automatically directing them at the action or points of interest of previous viewers. The intelligence suite will be useful for advertisers to feel confident that the message they’ve put in the experience is being noticed, or potentially alter and change the message in the experience to make it more noticeable. The media player also allows for multi-camera interactivity, allowing users to choose which camera they want to view from. Monetisation options aren’t included and will vary depending on how a client wants to charge viewers for content.
The tools within the XR platform will allow media companies to manage their immersive content without any knowledge on coding. Collins explains that: “Some people may want a standalone VR app, some people might want to add immersive capability into existing applications.” The XR platform caters to both of these needs. At the moment Sky, Medical Realities and vTime are using the platform with more partners to come. Collins believes that VR and augmented reality (AR) will merge in the future and what will be most important is great content. He wants to future proof the XR platform.
Collins explains that Jaunt will be increasing their production work, with several projects in the pipeline that are exciting but that they’re also looking to grow in different territories and expand. To find out more watch the video below.