One of the most famous print magazines in the world, TIME, has launched a new way to consume is journalism, augmented reality (AR). Today, TIME Immersive has been launched for iOS devices, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing the app brings that iconic moment into your living room.
Landing on the Moon is the first piece of content to feature on the app, produced in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and sponsored by Jimmy Dean. The 3D assets are thanks to 20 years of research and artistry by John Knoll, Chief Creative Officer of Industrial Light & Magic, with the spatial sound design by Erik Lohr, RYOT’s head of audio, and a voice-over by TIME’s Jeffrey Kluger.
“With Landing on the Moon, TIME is building on its decades of trusted and authoritative space reporting to tell this story in a brand new way, just as we have done in previous projects such as our Emmy Award-winning documentary A Year in Space,” said Edward Felsenthal TIME Editor in Chief and CEO in a statement.
Currently only available for iOS devices, TIME Immersive will be coming to Android soon. If you don’t own an Apple AR compatible device and want to check out Landing on the Moon the mobile web AR experience, both of which are the work of Trigger.
“TIME has always been at the forefront of visual storytelling. With the launch of this app and our first web AR experience, we are putting a stake in the ground with AR and establishing the level of immersive journalism that TIME will continue to bring to our readers,” adds Mia Tramz, Emmy-winning VR producer and editorial director of Enterprise and Immersive Experiences at TIME.
TIME has previously announced two major immersive projects it preparing to release, The March and Space Explorers: The ISS Experience. The former will allow viewers to experience the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, while Space Explorers: The ISS Experience is an immersive documentary series filmed in and around the International Space Station, created in conjunction with Felix & Paul Studios.
As TIME releases further immersive content, VRFocus will let you know.
“The Spider-Verse Web AR Experience demonstrates how established brands can dramatically enrich their customer experiences and better engage with their fans,” said Erik Murphy-Chutorian, CEO at 8th Wall. “Augmented reality allows consumers to dive deeper into the worlds of their favourite products and characters. Sony Pictures has deepened and enriched the Spider-Man experience with the innovative work they’ve produced with Trigger and 8th Wall, and powered by AWS. It’s the perfect example of how AR for the web is the best new medium for brands to make their content come to life while increasing the accessibility and interactivity of their stories.”