Category: iphone

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ARKit: HoloModels bringt Anime-Figuren ins Wohnzimmer

Die neue AR-App HoloModels vom japanischen Unternehmen Gugenka ermöglicht die virtuelle Dekoration der eigenen vier Wände mit Anime-Figuren. Mit der auf ARKit basierenden App können Anwender die Figuren nach eigenem Belieben anpassen und verändern, um ihre persönliche Raumdekoration daraufhin in 360-Grad zu bewundern. Dafür dürfen Nutzer zwischen verschiedenen Charakteren mit unterschiedlichen Gegenständen, Ornamenten und Stickern auswählen, um eine ganz persönliche Szenerie zu erschaffen.

HoloModels – Anpassbare Anime-Raumdeko für das eigene Zuhause

Die AR-App HoloModels von Gugenka ermöglicht die Verschönerung des eigenen Zuhauses mit Anime-Figuren unterschiedlicher Art. Die App setzt auf Apples ARKit, um die japanische Raumdeko in die eigenen vier Wände zu transportieren. Dafür scannt der Nutzer seine Umgebung per iPhone-Kamera ab und darf nach erfolgreicher Kalibrierung mit der Erstellung der eigenen AR-Szene beginnen.

Als virtueller Freizeitraumgestalter darf man zwischen verschiedenen Figuren auswählen, die jeweils mit unterschiedlichen Accessoires erscheinen. Je nach ausgewähltem Modell erscheint ein virtuelles Regal mit vier Sprays zur Anpassung und Individualisierung der Figur. Dadurch sind sowohl Größe, Pose sowie Gesichtsanimation nach eigenem Belieben veränderbar. Zusätzlich kann man seine Kreation mit weiteren Accessoires und Goodies verschönern und in 360-Grad betrachten. Dazu zählen Gegenstände, die man der Figur in die Hand legen kann, sowie Ornamente und Sticker als Verzierungen der Szenerie.

In der kostenlosen Version ist der unternehmenseigene Charakter Megu Shinonome mit sechs an den Körper anlegbaren Gegenständen sowie zehn verschiedenen Raumverzierungen vorhanden. Dadurch sind Nutzer in der Lage, diverse Settings wie beispielsweise eine Musikszene mit Mikrofon und Karaokemaschine nachzustellen. Weitere AR-Figurenpakete lassen sich innerhalb der App käuflich erwerben.

Die AR-App ist ab iOS 11 (iPhone 6 oder neuere Modelle) kompatibel. HoloModels ist kostenlos im Apple Store erhältlich. Eine Android-Version soll ebenfalls folgen.

(Quellen: VR Focus | HoloModels | Video: Gugenka Youtube)

Der Beitrag ARKit: HoloModels bringt Anime-Figuren ins Wohnzimmer zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

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Audi Quattro Coaster Brings the Showroom to Your Home

Car manufacturer Audi have released a new augmented reality (AR) app that allows a user to bring one of four models of the Audi Quattro into their own home.

Audi Quattro Coaster screenshot 1

By using a device to scan a room a user will be able to view a detailed model of the Audi Quattro right in the comfort of their own home. The digital recreation of the car can be viewed in full-size to see how it fits in your driveway or placed on a table to allow for more compact exploration. All the details are faithfully captured even down to the interior of the car resulting in the same experience as attending a showroom.

On top of viewing the Audi Quattro the Audi Quattro Coaster app also allows users to create their own track and take it for a test drive. By holding down the red button in the app and then moving forward you can create a test track that is only limited by your available space and imagination. Take the course around chairs, under and over a table and up to the ceiling and back. Once finished the track remains in virtual space allowing a user to move around freely and study both the road and the cars in different angles. To showcase the four-wheel drive power that the Audi Quattro has the track will experience all four seasons and the cars will react accordingly, giving you a detailed test drive up close.

Audi Quattro Coaster screenshot 2

The Audi Quattro Coaster app will also let users see an extended version of the TV commercial by holding a device with the app open to your TV. When viewed this way, the camera will scan a point in the commercial which will then lead to the car continuing to move through the device screen, extending the content shown in the commercial.

The Audi Quattro Coaster app is currently only available on Apple iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 11 via the App Store but Audi is hoping to bring the app to Android in the future. As and when further details are released about the Android release and any updates VRFocus will keep you updated.

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Apple Patent Revealing VR And AR Optical System Unearthed

Smart phones and virtual reality (VR) and even augmented reality (AR) are a match made it heaven. Whether it’s the easily implement ARKit from Apple or Samsung’s Gear VR in partnership with Oculus, or even Google Cardboard, VR and AR is a natural fit for the devices we carry with us every day. So why would Apple let the other smartphone manufacturers get ahead with VR and AR technology? They wouldn’t, and if we’re to believe this Apple patent will come to fruition in the future, they won’t.

Apple’s latest patent, as reported by iDrop News, is an optical system for VR and AR applications. Titled Optical System for Head-Mounted Display, the patent was published on February 8th, and indicates Apple’s continued investigation into AR and VR technologies.

We wonder if this is related to their acquisition last year of Vrvana, an AR and VR startup which Apple picked up for $30 million USD. Vrvana’s Totem headset may have played some part in inspiring the new patent.

The report highlights a few details about what this patent pertains to and how they may intend for it to be used;

  • The patent describes an optical system for use inside a traditional head-mounted display (HMD). The patent mentions both AR and VR use cases, but highlight VR in particular.
  • Long term used being uncomfortable is noted, and indicates that lighter lenses and HMD parts may alleviate the issue.
  • The system is essentially designed to be more comfortable than other HMDs on the market, while offering a similar experience.

In the images attached to the patent we see what honestly looks to be a very standard VR HMD, though right now there’s no clear indication as to whether Apple are looking into releasing stand alone HMDs, ones compatible with Mac, or those designed with iPhone compatibility in mind.

It’s good to see Apple continue to dedicate resources to VR development. As one of the largest technology companies in the world with a massive install base of devices, their support could potentially be a massive launch pad for the entire industry. Whatever happens next, you’ll be sure to read about it first on VRFocus.

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Niantic Labs To Discontinue Pokémon GO Support For 6 Apple Devices

When you think about augmented reality (AR) videogames it’s very difficult to not mention Pokémon GO as part of the conversation. Whilst it might be debatable as to whether it has helped the general public’s understanding of what AR is or not, there’s certainly no denying its impact or influence.

Pokemon/Pokémon GO Title

The multiple award winning title developed by Niantic Labs has become a worldwide hit, with millions of would be Pokémon trainers around the world battling daily for gyms and bragging rights for their teams whilst also seeking new and rare pocket monsters to capture. At its peak the videogame was an absolute sensation, unwittingly causing untold havoc in a number of public areas as rare Pokémon appeared and players descended there en masse. A financial success, perhaps more impressive than any of its other accomplishments has also been to help soften Nintendo’s stance on its videogames on mobile platforms.

Unfortunately though time moves on, and for a group of players on iPhone and other iOS device they might well be waking up to this morning to the news that Pokémon GO has decided to move on without them. An update posted on the official website pokemongolive.com has revealed that as of the end of next month (28th February 2018) all devices stuck on iOS 10 and unable to upgrade will, in all likelihood, no longer to be able to access their accounts as support is withdrawn:

Trainers,

In an upcoming update to Pokémon GO, we will end support for Apple devices not capable of upgrading to iOS 11, such as iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c models. This change is a result of improvements to Pokémon GO that push the application beyond the capabilities of the operating systems on such devices. This change will take effect on 02/28/2018. After that date, Trainers using affected devices may no longer be able to access their Pokémon GO accounts from that device, or use their PokéCoins or other items in their Bags. They will need to switch to a supported device to continue playing Pokémon GO. 

The full list of devices as confirmed by Niantic Labs is as follows:

  • iPhone 5c: Models A1456, A1507, A1516, A1529 and A1532
  • iPhone 5: Models A1428, A1429 and A1442
  • iPad (4th Gen): Models A1458, A1459 and A1460
  • iPad (3rd Gen): Models A1416, A1430 and A1403
  • iPad mini (1st Gen): Models A1432, A1454, A1455
  • iPad 2: Models: A1395, A1396 and A1397

If you have any of these devices and it is your principle way of playing the title you will need to upgrade to an iOS 11 device (if you wish to continue using Apple) else lose out.

Niantic Labs has been in the press for a number of positive news stories in recent months, with multiple new updates including the addition of dynamic weather and a new AR+ mode for iPhones.The winning of a BAFTA for the title, the confirmation of a Harry Potter themed AR videogame in a similar vein to Pokémon GO – Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, and the news of a massive $200 Million (USD) investment in the studio. VRFocus will continue to bring you news on everything going on with the developers and their AR titles in the weeks ahead.

 

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Mercedes-Benz Joins the AR Manual World With Ask Mercedes

2017 was certainly a year that was instrumental in the development of augmented reality (AR) technology, whether that was through headsets and smart glasses like HoloLens and Vuzix, or software such as Google’s ARCore and ARKit by Apple. This helped developers create new AR videogames as well as more functional apps. The automobile industry has embraced the rise of AR by creating interactive manuals, the latest of which comes from Mercedes-Benz.

Ask Mercedes 1

The company has built an AR app called Ask Mercedes, allowing customers with an Apple iPhone or iPad to learn more about their new car. The app works with the 2018 E-Class Mercedes-Benz (all body styles, non-AMG), with users having to align an image on their device with the interior of the vehicle. After which they’ll be able to see a selection of numbers automatically superimposed onto the controls and displays shown in the camera image. Clicking on a number will then bring up the relevant information.

“We are creating a personalised customer experience that goes well beyond the vehicle. With innovative services such as ‘Ask Mercedes’, we are further expanding our digital ecosystem”, says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales in a statement.

The app has been launched in the US, South Africa and Malaysia initially. At the start of 2018 it is scheduled to be introduced in India and Hong Kong, with a version in German to follow later in the year. Mercedes-Benz has said it’s also working on an Android version of the app which should become available this year. Additionally, Ask Mercedes is expected to be gradually expanded in the coming months, with support for further vehicle models, content and communication channels envisaged.

Ask Mercedes 2

Ask Mercedes may showcase updated AR technology for car manuals but it’s certainly not the first. One of the earliest examples VRFocus covered was Hyundai back in 2015. As AR is further embraced by car manufacturers worldwide,  VRFocus will keep you updated on the latest developments.

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Pokémon GO to add New AR+ Mode Exclusively on iPhone

Augmented reality (AR) existed way before the launch of Niantic Labs’ Pokémon GO – the studio’s first AR title was Ingress – but the creature capturing videogame can be honoured with the title of being the first to capture the imaginations of a worldwide audience. The actual AR feature in Pokémon GO is fairly basic however, literally placing a cartoon character in the real world yet you can’t exactly walk any closer to it or move around it. That’s set to change however with a new update exclusively for Apple’s iPhone called AR+.

Pokemon GO ARKit Char

The new AR+ feature builds on core AR gameplay in Pokémon GO and leverages Apple’s ARKit framework to enhance the visuals and dynamics of catching Pokémon in the real world.

Thanks to ARKit implementation, users activate the new AR+ feature in encounter mode, enabling individual Pokémon to be more accurately positioned based on their surroundings and environment thanks to the six degrees of freedom (6DoF) the software provides. By utilising ARKit’s 3D AR scaling, a Pokémon’s size will be more accurately based on the world around them, changing in perspective and size as Trainers move closer or further away.

Because of this encounters will provide Trainers with more ways to catch Pokémon. Trainers will have the option get closer to a Pokémon to receive a special capture bonus, but Pokémon are aware of the physical proximity of Trainers, so they must approach carefully as they may flee if a person comes too close too quickly. If it does, you can try tapping on the tall grass nearby, which may cause the Pokémon to reappear and give you an additional chance to catch it.

Pokemon GO ARKit Expert

Getting closer to a Pokémon using AR+ has unique gameplay benefits, including being awarded the new Expert Handler bonus, which provides more XP and Stardust as well as a better chance at earning Great and Excellent Throw bonuses.

The update will be available soon, to make use of the feature you’ll need to be running iOS 11 on iPhone 6s and newer models. As Niantic Labs continue to improve Pokémon GO, VRFocus will keep you updated on the latest announcements.

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Play as Bumblebee in Paramount’s new Transformers AR Experience

To coincide with the release of Transformers: The Last Knight on 4K Ultra HD Paramount Home Media Distribution has today unveiled a free augmented reality (AR) experience for iOS app users.

Created by Viacom NEXT using Apple ARKit, Cade’s Junkyard AR Experience incorporates content from the latest film in the blockbuster series, with players controlling the actions of Bumblebee.

Transformers AR Screenshots Car

The app has been designed to appear as the virtual junkyard of protagonist Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), with players able to create their own junkyard before going on a rampage, using Bumblebee to blow everything up, whether that’s in full robot mode using his guns or racing around in vehicle form.

“This augmented reality experience gives fans the chance to interact with the Transformers universe in a new and exciting way,” said Howard Hsieh, Vice President, Worldwide Digital Business Development, Paramount Home Media Distribution in a statement.  “The Transformers films appeal to a vast and diverse audience and we’re excited to give fans the opportunity to get in the driver’s seat and take BUMBLEBEE for a ride.”

 “With ARKit, we can seamlessly bridge virtual and physical worlds to create immersive experiences that bring storytelling to life,” said Chaki Ng, Senior Vice President of Viacom NEXT.  “We‘re thrilled to help break this new ground at Paramount with the iconic Transfomers franchise.”

Cade’s Junkyard AR Experience is free to download from the App Store until February 20, 2018. Users can also order  Transformers: The Last Knight on 4K HDR through the app. Additionally, the Transformers 5-movie Collection will also be available on 4K HDR for purchase exclusively on iTunes beginning today.

The app is Paramount’s first foray into AR, but not the first in terms of immersive entertainment. Earlier this year, in conjunction with Oculus Studios, REWIND, Dreamworks and HERE BE DRAGONS, the companies created the Ghost in the Shell experience to tie-in with the movie.

For the latest AR experiences on iOS 11, keep reading VRFocus.

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Bericht: Nächstes iPhone erhält neue 3D-Tiefensensoren

Apple gilt als innovatives Unternehmen, das bereits seit längerer Zeit starkes Interesse am AR-Bereich zeigt. So veröffentlichten sie unter anderem ihr ARKit, welches bereits eine Menge interessanter Inhalte hervorbrachte. Nach neusten Informationen von Bloomberg soll das Unternehmen nun an neuen 3D-Tiefensensoren für die Rückseite des iPhone sowie an einer neuen Technologie arbeiten, die das Smartphone als führendes AR-Endgerät von der Konkurrenz abheben soll.

Iphone 2019 – Verbesserte AR-Apps dank neuer Tiefensensoren

Apple iPhone X

Die im Jahr 2019 erscheinenden iPhone-Modelle sollen neue 3D-Tiefensensoren auf der Rückseite erhalten, wodurch eine deutlich bessere Unterstützung für AR-Funktionen entstehen soll. Dafür arbeitet Apple derzeit an einer neuen Technologie, welche die momentan verwendeten TrueDepth-Sensoren – aktuell auf der Vorderseite des iPhone X – verbessert.

Die TrueDepth-Kamera besteht aus Licht- und Tiefensensoren sowie Infrarotkameras, welche 30.000 Infrarot-Laserpunkte auf das Gesicht des Anwenders projizieren. Dadurch lässt sich eine dreidimensionale Tiefenkarte des Gesichts erstellen. Dies ermöglicht aktuell beispielsweise die Nutzung von FaceID oder Animoji.

Die kommende Generation der Smarpthones soll dagegen für ihre Kameras auf eine neue Time-of-Flight-Methode setzen. Diese berechnet die Zeit, bis die Laser auf einer Oberfläche auftreffen, und generiert aus den berechneten Daten ein 3D-Bild. Dank der neuen Technologie sollen AR-Objekte deutlich exakter im 3D-Raum dargestellt werden, da dank der ToF-Methode eine größere Erfassung der Umgebung möglich ist.

Die Integration einer weiteren Kamera auf der Rückseite des iPhones soll zudem realistischere Darstellungen ermöglichen. Das ARKit ist aktuell nur in der Lage, Objekte auf flachen Oberflächen darzustellen. Durch die neue Technologie wäre es möglich, weitere reale Objekte einzubeziehen und die virtuellen Darstellungen damit interagieren zu lassen. So könnte eine virtuelle Figur zukünftig hinter einer realen Tür verschwinden, anstatt wie bisher darüber projiziert zu werden.

Jedoch ist zu beachten, dass sich die Technologie zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt noch in einer frühen Testphase befindet und sich noch einiges daran ändern kann.

(Quelle: Bloomberg, Teaser-Bild Apple, iPhone X)

Der Beitrag Bericht: Nächstes iPhone erhält neue 3D-Tiefensensoren zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

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DroneBase Pilot AirCraft: iOS-App für AR-Objekte im Himmel

Die App DroneBase Pilot für iOS steht seit etwas über einem Jahr zur Verfügung. Nun bekommt sie für iPhone und iPad AirCraft spendiert: Im Minecraft-Stil können Drohnen-Piloten mit der App virtuelle Objekte in die Luft zaubern. An einer Version für Android arbeiten die Entwickler von DroneBase noch.

AirCraft AR Drohne

DroneBase-Pilot mit neuem Modus AirCraft

AirCraft stellt einen kleinen Bausatz mit einfachen 3D-Würfeln zur Verfügung, die man der echten Umgebung hinzufügen kann. So lassen sich beispielsweise virtuelle Rennstrecken anlegen, die sich aus der Drohnen-Perspektive durchfliegen lassen. Die Objekte erinnern dabei sehr an Minecraft: Es stehen Klötzchen in sechs Vollfarben und drei Größen zur Auswahl. Hinzu kommen noch sechs texturierte Klötze ebenfalls in drei Größen. Mit ihnen lassen sich dann beispielsweise Objekte realisieren, die an Mauern und Bäume erinnern. Neben Rennstrecken sollen Anwender somit beispielsweise auch Kunstwerke und fliegende Städte bauen können. Die Pläne des Entwickler-Teams gehen aber noch weiter, so arbeiten die DroneBase-Entwickler laut VRScout derzeit mit einer Baugesellschaft zusammen. So könnte man Bauvorhaben visualisieren und nicht nur am Boden, sondern zusätzlich mit der Drohne aus der Luft erkunden.

AirCraft AR Drohne

Die App DroneBase Pilot steht kostenlos im App Store zur Verfügung, setzt aber vor der ersten Nutzung eine Registrierung beim Hersteller voraus. Das Modul AirCraft befindet sich offiziell noch in der Betaphase. Neben dem Smartphone oder Tablet mit GPS benötigt man eine passende Drohne: Die Entwickler empfehlen mindestens eine DJI Phantom 3, Inspire 1 oder ein entsprechendes Modell. Außerdem sollte die Kamera des des Flugobjektes bestimmte Mindestanforderungen erfüllen, um ein möglichst optimales Ergebnis zu erzielen.

(Quelle: VRScout, DroneBase)

Der Beitrag DroneBase Pilot AirCraft: iOS-App für AR-Objekte im Himmel zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!