The Edge of Now.
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Jan 10 / 1:59pm

Augmented Reality for Buildings

by Jen Corbett
Media_httpwwwpsfkcomw_hljhl

A mosaic of unintelligible information screens the facade of a building in a Tokyo shopping district. The building is a multi level retail centre and the language? Something called a  QR code.

Some might say they're ugly. But I think they're freaking cool. A QR code is basically a barcode designed for mobile phones to scan and transform into layers of information. They're everywhere in Tokyo. Every modern Japanese phone comes with the ability to read them. They're part of the landscape

Now even more so. Because with the face of this building as a physical interface, anyone on the street can interact with the building and the information stored in the code. And this is something quite new. 

See, these codes used to be simple - directing people to a business card of information, a website or an advertisement. But with Augmented Reality in full swing, they're opening the world up to a whole new level of communication.

It means anyone can get info about the retail outlets, the people and the things happening inside the building from street level. 

It doesn't stop there. An iPhone app means that you are able to see other info, like whether you have friends in the building, information about the retail stores or follow twitter conversationsinside, in real time. As the video below shows.

It is interesting to me to see the potential for QR codes in enabling instant access to augmented reality style info at a particular location. From shopping, to tourism the applications for this style of communication are potentially endless.

I'd be super keen to see QR codes finally kick off in New Zealand. They've been around for quite some time in Japan, and with the uptake of smartphones I think it is entirely possible the QR code thing could kick off. Especially for a company like Telecom or Vodafone.

It's not hard to get an application that enables your phone to read them, especially with something like the iPhone.

In fact, I think there is an ideal opportunity there to develop something special to introduce New Zealanders to the qr code, in partnership with one of our Telcos.

Why Not? It's 2010 after all. I think we've been lagging behind far too long. 

For anyone interested in QR codes, have a go at making your own at  http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

Via: 
Filed under  //  Mobile   QR code   augmented reality   jencorbett   newmedia   physical computing   telecom   vodafone  
 
Dec 18 / 11:25pm

Photos from the International Robot Exhibition 2009 | #robots

by Jen Corbett
Media_httppinktentaclecomimagesirex200911jpg_iucdsbpxndhtdps
via pinktentacle.com
Media_httppinktentaclecomimagesirex200916jpg_gtepyzibvzjxbix
via pinktentacle.com

Yep I love robots. Some are especially cute. The iRobi home robot (top) seems to do everything a modern housewife would want. It can monitor the home, provide weather information and news, respond to voice commands, and entertain the kids.

The bottom one is designed for video conferencing. More images at this link.

Filed under  //  awesome   jencorbett   newmedia   robots  
 
Dec 18 / 1:14pm

Bringing Guinness to life through Google Earth

by Jen Corbett
Media_httpadagecomimagesbinimagelargeguinness121709jpg1261078651_optcjldlgrnthzc
via adage.com

In what reflects a wider effort from Guinness to fully integrate and boost their marketing online, Guinness have stepped into the interactive space with a new virtual simulation created in partnership with Google earth

It's kinda like Sim earth (if you remember those early sim games) using Google earth. Except Guinness have gone a step further and made it social - allowing users to set up a virtual world and "bring it to life" with the help their friends who they enlist to join via facebook.

The idea connects directly to their latest EPIC TVC  (video below) which shows a team of guys working together to create a world - bringing it to life in a pattern of activity that mimics the pouring and settling of a pint of guiness".It's line, "bring it to life" takes over from the decade-long campaign summed up with the tagline "good things come to those who wait" .

And if this is anything to go by, they're doing it remarkably well - seamlessly, creatively and intelligently and in a way that engages consumers and their friends using the latest online media.The online creative ties in with the overall campaign brilliantly.  It in itself really signals a concerted effort to make the beer brand more about it's drinkers.

The incentive lies with a golden pint. The more diverse the earth, the more droplets they discover, revealing a key to unlock a "golden pint" which enables them to win a case of Guinness to share with friends. The ultimate winner gets a year's supply of Guiness just through engaging their friends in this process..

I think what is truly remarkable about this example is how finely tuned the interactive is to the overall campaign idea - never wavering with its message. Transmedia storytelling is alive and well in a way that actually enables you to become immersed in that story itself.

It's a fantastic example of a major brand pushing content online - further engaging consumers.

Consumers are rewarded not only through a kick ass piece of social / interactive but also with the prospect of a golden pint...and a years supply of Guinness.

Now that's what I call engagement.

 

Filed under  //  guinness   interactive   newmedia   online