Framestore Teams With Air New Zealand For First Magic Leap Project

Where as the idea of playing a card game on a computer has always been something readily accepted – largely in part to the likes of Solitaire being bundled with windows seemingly forever. The idea of playing a videogame version of a board game that wasn’t chess or othello/revesi took a little bit longer to be readily accepted. Now of course we have the likes of Tabletop Simulator that keep us readily entertained, and of course Mario Party to keep us readily trying to strangle our quote-unquote friends.

So, it shouldn’t be that surprising that Magic Leap’s L.E.A.P. conference in Los Angeles we would be introduced to a mixed reality (MR) board game for the Magic Leap One. Although the subject matter may indeed be a little head scratching to some.

From the team at Framestore comes their first content for the headset, in the form of the Air New Zealand sponsored Fact or Fantasy? The Fantastical Game of New Zealand. A four-player shared MR experience, Fact or Fantasy? The Fantastical Game of New Zealand uses a physical board, a digital quizmaster and brings aspects of the country to life in your living room.

It is, of course, a promotional piece to encourage you to go on holiday to the country. Something the General Manager of Global Brand and Content Marketing for Air New Zealand, Jodi Williams, addresses.

“This partnership is an important step towards understanding the part spatial computing could play in the future customer experience both on the ground and in the air. By getting in early and being both a developer and creator we have been able to test and learn, creating an incredible platform from which to explore the potential of this technology as part of our Future Aircraft Cabin Experience programme including concepts such as being able to reframe customers’ perceptions of the physical cabin environment.”

“We are storytellers at Framestore, first and foremost; innovation courses in our veins.” Adds Framestore CEO Sir William Sargent. “The promise of mixed reality excites us enormously, and we are delighted that this project with Air New Zealand and Magic Leap provides us with the chance to show the world the extraordinary potential of this new medium, as we experiment with new ways to share narratives.”

You can check out a video from Air New Zealand showing off the title in action below.  VRFocus will have more stories about the developments at the L.E.A.P. conference very soon.

 

Air New Zealand Partners With Magic Leap

Though Magic Leap remains tight-lipped on the details of its main product, that has not stopped to company from establishing relationships with brands and companies, such as the recently announced strategic partnership with Air New Zealand.

The airline is working with Magic Leap and London-based creative studio Framestore to create an experience that lets travellers explore New Zealand in a new way.

Magic Leap One Lightwear

The ‘Fantastical Journey Throughout New Zealand’ is meant to highlight the dramatic and diverse landscapes and activities that makes the country a unique tourism destination. The experience is due to debut later this year and will form part of a longer-term programme with is aimed at redefining travel experiences.

“Air New Zealand is excited to bring innovative, emerging technology to our customers and create a more enjoyable travel experience. Our goal with this partnership is to continue to encourage new visitors to experience the wonders of New Zealand with us,” says Jodi Williams, Air New Zealand General Manager of Global Brand and Content.

“Magic Leap and Air New Zealand have a shared ambition to bring true innovation to everyday experiences, including the air travel experience. As a Magic Leap partner, Air New Zealand is uniquely positioned to bring revolutionary technology to the travel industry,” says Rachna Bhasin, Magic Leap Chief Business Officer.

Immersive technology such as virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) has been used by other airlines previously, with airlines such as Quantas and KLM utilising the technology for marketing, and Air New Zealand itself has experimented with providing its staff with the Microsoft HoloLens.

There are still few details on when the first Magic Leap product, the Magic Leap One will be released, though some partners and developers are said to have received the development version of the device.

For future coverage on Magic Leap and other immersive technology, keep checking back with VRFocus.

Air New Zealand Trialling Augmented Reality on Flights

Microsoft’s HoloLens has begun to see some interesting uses, from helping with surgical procedures to giving children an enhanced understanding of the solar system, Microsoft are aiming to show that augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) are good for more than just videogames. Air New Zealand see that potential, also, and have begun equipping their stewards with the HoloLens to better serve passengers.

Air New Zealand are equipping air stewards with the HoloLens to provide the stewards with better information, enabling them to give passengers a better experience on the flight. Data can be displayed to a steward to show what drink a passenger has ordered, if they have any food allergies or other dietary needs and can even give cues as to a passengers mood, so they can be reassured if they are nervous.

“This software is a great example of us collaborating with other partners and exploring how technology could enhance the way our people work as well as the experience they deliver to our customers through greater personalisation,” says Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer Avi Golan.

In addition, icons and information can be ‘dropped’ on to a location, so a steward can leave the area and come back to find the icon they left still in the same place, so things like food orders could hover above passenger seats, or a reminder could be set that a certain person is a first-time flyer who may need extra information or assistance. A video demonstrating the technology is available to view below.

It has been noted that the HoloLens is still a relatively bulky piece of equipment, and may not always be convenient to wear, but as technology develops, these types of augmented services will probably become increasingly common.

VRFocus will bring you further information on the HoloLens and innovative uses of AR and MR technology as it becomes available.