metaio launches World’s First Social Augmented Reality Platform: junaio
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
metaio launches World’s First Social Augmented Reality Platform: junaio
SAN FRANCISCO – November 11, 2009 – metaio today announced that users can now generate 3D augmented reality experiences on their iPhones by downloading junaio, a free application available in the Apple App Store. Users without an iPhone can also be part of the experience and edit/share 3D augmented reality images via the online platform on www.junaio.com
junaio is a mobile and online platform that lets users create, explore and share information in a completely new way using augmented reality and location-based content. Users can place 3D objects, twitter messages or websites into the real world and then share their creations with friends through social networks. Imagine you are able to take a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge and place an animated, 3D T-Rex gobbling up cars. These 3D objects can then be discovered by others who come across the same location. Or you can search for restaurants, cafes, museums, bars or shops etc. via Google local search and see the results in a 360° live-view of the camera.
With junaio, metaio is putting the power of its augmented reality technology – which has been used by industry giants such as Volkswagen, LEGO and Popular Science plus hundreds of other companies – in the hands of everyday consumers. The worldwide film company Focus Features has partnered with junaio to place memorable characters from its hit animated movies 9 and Coraline (the latter feature already available on DVD through Universal Studios Home Entertainment) on the platform to allow users to interact with the creations.
Unlike other applications that attempt to create new social networking communities, junaio is designed to tie existing platforms together with augmented reality based social interactions. Users can insert an (animated) 3D object into a photo taken with their iPhone and upload it to Facebook, or augment images that others have posted. The technology will soon be available on other smart phone platforms such as Android and Symbian.
posted by Ben @ 9:28 AM,
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Microvision at ISMAR 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Microvision Eyewear Ismar 2009 3
View more presentations from baverch.
Hi all, please find my presentation at ISMAR above. It was a real thrill to be a part of the show, to meet the people who are implementing cool augmented reality applications today, and to get a sense for the coming groundswell for this technology. As the name suggests, ISMAR is a global event and there were people there from all over the world, representing business, science, academia, venture capital and so on. I got the sense that next year's ISMAR would be absolutely huge.
It's clear from the discussions I had with various industry members that a see-through wearable display that meets people's expectations from both ergonomics and display performance is the big, obvious missing link in the AR solution story. We at Microvision are working hard to fill in this gap and create a technology solution that can allow this new market to take shape.
(On another note, during the dinner period, I brought out the SHOWWX and had a blast playing our standard reel of Britney and Christina videos on the walls, tablecloths and ceilings. There was a patio area, it was dark out, and I ended up projecting a gigantic Britney on the side of the hotel. It was awesome fun as you can imagine.)
Anyway, hope you enjoy the presentation and feel free to hit me up with questions (I'll do my best to answer them).
Thanks,
Ben
posted by Ben @ 12:52 PM,
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Microvision Receives Purchase Order and Begins Shipping World's First Laser Pico Projector, SHOWWX
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Microvision Receives Purchase Order and Begins Shipping World's First Laser Pico Projector, SHOWWX
REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 30, 2009-- Microvision, Inc. (Nasdaq:MVIS), a global leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display and image capture products for mobility applications announced today that it has received a purchase order from its Asian marketing and distribution partner and has begun shipments of its PicoP® display engine-based product, the SHOWWX™ laser pico projector. Microvision expects its distribution partner to unveil its go to market product plans shortly.
“We are delighted to announce that Microvision has commenced shipments this week of the SHOWWX laser pico projector, our first commercial product based on the proprietary PicoP display engine,” said Alexander Tokman, President and CEO of Microvision. “This is a historical milestone for Microvision, accented by a purchase order that firmly kicks-off the first sales for the SHOWWX.”
The SHOWWX is a simple plug-n-play pico projector for people on-the-go who want to spontaneously view and share multimedia applications and programs such as mobile TV, movies, photos, presentations and more. Users can take the pocket-sized projector anywhere, plug it into their portable media players, mobile phones, notebooks and other portable mobile media devices and share a big screen experience with friends, family or business associates. Depending on the ambient light, the projected images range in size from 12” to 150”. The SHOWWX uses the revolutionary laser-based PicoP display engine technology that delivers large, colorful, bright, and vivid images that are always in focus, regardless of projection distance.
About Microvision, Inc.
Microvision provides the PicoP display engine technology platform designed to enable next-generation display and imaging products for pico projectors, vehicle displays, and wearable displays that interface with mobile devices. The company’s projection display engine uses highly efficient laser light sources which can create vivid images with high contrast and brightness. For more information, visit the company’s website (www.microvision.com) and corporate blog (www.microvision.com/displayground).
Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
Certain statements contained in this release, including those relating to product applications and market opportunity, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the Company's forward-looking statements include the following: our ability to raise additional capital when needed; the risk of market acceptance of our technology and products, our financial and technical resources relative to those of our competitors; our planned future products dependence on advances in technology by other companies, our ability to keep up with rapid technological change; our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect our proprietary technologies; the timing of commercial product launches and delays in product development; the ability to achieve key technical milestones in key products; our ability to secure needed third party manufacturing and sales resources, dependence on third parties to develop, manufacture, sell and market our products; potential product liability claims and other risk factors identified from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in circumstances or any other reason.
posted by Ben @ 11:34 AM,
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Wall Street Journal: Microvision #43 in Global Electronics Industry for Patent Portfolio
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Today, as reported in the Wall Street Journal, Microvision has been ranked #43 worldwide in the electronics & instruments industry for the strength of our patent portfolio by The Patent Board, the leading independent provider of best practices research, tools and metrics for patent analysis and intellectual property investment. According to The Patent Board, Microvision had a 29% increase in patenting and a 38% increase in Industry Impact™ this quarter.Monday, September 28, 2009
Companies and private research firms are grouped by their Patent Board technology strength ranking which is based on the scale, quality, impact, and nearness to core science of a company's patent-based intellectual property. This overall strength rating factors in both qualitative and quantitative aspects of a company's patent portfolio.
About The Patent Board:
The Patent Board is the leading independent provider of best practices research, tools and metrics for patent analysis and intellectual property investment. The Patent Board’s team of experts, deep pool of knowledge and foundation in core research provides clients with valuable insight on patent-based IP strategies. The Patent Board leadership is advancing the value of patent knowledge to both inform business strategy and to help define patent assets as the next critical financial asset class.
posted by Ben @ 11:57 AM,
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Which augmented reality startups will dominate?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
DigitalBeat: Which augmented reality startups will dominate?
Augmented Reality — the ability to superimpose data and information over a view of the real world — is arguably hot these days, and there’s no scarcity of articles and blogs on the space and AR apps. VentureBeat first reviewed AR apps two months ago. As more time has passed I decided to take a deeper look at the technology, business models and utility behind the startups to separate hype from reality. To do so I talked to AR expert Robert Rice and interviewed the startups in the space in order to come up with a ranking of augmented reality startups (see chart below).
Labels: Augmented Reality
posted by Ben @ 10:42 AM,
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Microvision Announces Commercial Launch of SHOW WX Laser Pico Projector
Microvision Announces Commercial Launch of SHOW WX Laser Pico Projector
REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Microvision, Inc. (Nasdaq:MVIS - News), a global leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display and image capture products for mobility applications announced the commercial introduction of the world’s first laser-based pico projector, called SHOW WX™, based on its proprietary PicoP® display engine technology.
The Company plans to distribute its accessory pico projector product through three sales channels: OEM branded products, Microvision branded products sold through international distributors and Microvision direct sales through its on-line store. Microvision has signed several marketing and distribution agreements with international distributors in Asia and Europe to launch Microvision branded and private labeled versions of the laser pico projector. Microvision expects to begin product shipments in the next several weeks.
The Microvision pico projector uses the revolutionary laser-based PicoP display engine that delivers large, colorful, bright, and vivid images that are always in focus, regardless of projection distance. The accessory product is a simple plug-n-play pico projector for people on-the-go who want to spontaneously view and share mobile TV, movies, photos, presentations and more. Users can take the pocket-sized projector anywhere, plug it into their portable media players, mobile phones, notebooks and other portable mobile media devices with TV-Out or VGA functionality and share a big screen experience with friends, family or business associates. Depending on the ambient light, the projected images range in size from 12” to 150”
About Microvision, Inc.
Microvision provides the PicoP display technology platform designed to enable next-generation display and imaging products for pico projectors, vehicle displays, and wearable displays that interface with mobile devices. The company’s projection display engine uses highly efficient laser light sources which can create vivid images with high contrast and brightness. For more information, visit the company’s website (www.microvision.com) and corporate blog (www.microvision.com/displayground).
Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
Certain statements contained in this release, including those relating to distribution and shipment of products, customer and distributor launch of products, product applications and statements using words such as “plans,” “expects” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the Company's forward-looking statements include the following: our ability to raise additional capital when needed; the risk of market acceptance of our technology and products, our financial and technical resources relative to those of our competitors; our planned future products dependence on advances in technology by other companies, our ability to keep up with rapid technological change; our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect our proprietary technologies; the timing of commercial product launches and delays in product development; the ability to achieve key technical milestones in key products; our ability to secure needed third party manufacturing and sales resources, dependence on third parties to develop, manufacture, sell and market our products; potential product liability claims and other risk factors identified from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in circumstances or any other reason.
Labels: SHOW WX
posted by Ben @ 10:39 AM,
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BusinessWeek on AR
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Augmented Reality: What should businesses expect from this new tech?
The concept of Augmented Reality, or overlaying the real world with text or images seen via a mobile phone’s camera or a Web cam on a PC, has gained a lot of attention in recent months. Big tech companies, from IBM to Microsoft to Nokia are developing mobile-phone software and services in this space. Major retailers from Best Buy to Wal-Mart are using AR tech for the PC in their marketing campaigns. And numerous start-ups are developing cool applications that allow anyone to create tags for the real world. Yes: anyone can tag physical buildings or landmarks with informative text, like that found on a traditional Web page. The idea is to allow people to point their phones at, say, the Eiffel Tower, and see stats on when it was built or how tall it is, on their phone’s camera, in real time, instantly.
Labels: Augmented Reality
posted by Ben @ 10:32 PM,
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Nokia Eyewear Vision
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Nokia Mixed Reality
Here is Nokia's vision sketch of the future of mobile services, powered by eyewear displays. Note the emphasis on the need for the eyewear display to be see-through, and readable in daylight.
Labels: Color Eyewear
posted by Ben @ 3:39 PM,
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Economist Covers Mobile Augmented Reality
Reality, improved
AR, me hearties
It all sounds rather distant and futuristic. The idea of AR has, in fact, been around for a few years without making much progress. But the field has recently been energised by the ability to implement AR using advanced mobile handsets, rather than expensive, specialist equipment. Several AR applications are already available. Wikitude, an AR travel-guide application developed for Google’s Android G1 handset, has already been downloaded by 125,000 people. Layar is a general-purpose AR browser that also runs on Android-powered phones. Nearest Tube, an AR application for Apple’s iPhone 3GS handset, can direct you in London to the nearest Underground station. Nokia’s “mobile augmented reality applications” (MARA) software is being tested by staff at the world’s largest handset-maker, with a public launch imminent.
Here's a great article that describes the current state of the art of mobile augmented reality, and some of the technology underpinnings that will support an AR infrastructure.
Labels: Augmented Reality
posted by Ben @ 3:36 PM,
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Osram develops direct green-emitting laser diode
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Laser Focus World: Osram develops direct green-emitting laser diode
August 13, 2009--Osram Opto Semiconductors (Sunnyvale, CA and Regensburg, Germany) has developed a direct green-emitting indium gallium nitride (InGaN) laser diode that has an optical output of 50 mW in pulsed mode at a wavelength of 515 nm (true green is considered to be the spectral range of 515 to 535 nm). In pulsed-mode operation at room temperature, the laboratory prototype has a threshold current density of around 9 kA/cm². (Osram had previously developed a blue-green laser diode.)
[Note: Sumitomo Electric Industries (Hyogo, Japan) has also recently developed a true-green InGaN electrically pumped laser diode: its version operates at 531 nm, uses a semi-polar (2021) plane, and operates at an unspecified optical power. For more information, see the Laser Focus World September 2009 Newsbreaks.]
Compared with semiconductor lasers based on existing technology that operate with frequency doubling, direct-emitting green laser diodes are more compact, offer greater temperature stability, are easier to control, and have higher modulation capability at several hundred megahertz.
Good for picoprojectors
Even though small second-harmonic-generation-based external-cavity green lasers are readily available, the advantages of direct-emitting laser diodes make them better candidates for red-green-blue (RGB) displays. Blue and red-emitting laser diodes already exist; a green-emitting counterpart would make RGB laser "picoprojectors" much cheaper and easier to build, and feasible for use in cell phones and digital cameras.
As for Osram's green laser diode, the German Ministry for Education and Research is sponsoring the MOLAS research project (until March 2011, FKZ 13N9373), which involves technologies for ultracompact and mobile laser-projection systems. As part of this project, Osram Opto Semiconductors is developing efficient laser light sources based on InGaN for mobile projection systems. (Osram already offers direct-emitting blue InGaN laser diodes for commercial applications.)
--posted by John Wallace, johnw@pennwell.com
posted by Ben @ 12:23 PM,
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Microvision Reports Second Quarter 2009 Results
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Microvision Reports Second Quarter 2009 Results
Company Strengthens Balance Sheet and Prepares for Launch of SHOW WX Laser Pico Projector
On Thursday August 6, 2009, 4:05 pm EDT
REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Microvision, Inc. (NASDAQ:MVIS - News), a global leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display and image capture products for mobility applications, today reported operating and financial results for the second quarter of 2009.
Operating Results
“We are pleased to have completed two very important milestones during the second quarter, the completion of a green laser supply agreement with Corning for our first PicoP® display engine based product, the SHOW WXTM laser pico projector, and a major investment by strategic supplier Walsin Lihwa,” stated Alexander Tokman, Microvision’s President and CEO. “We are also very excited about the recently announced agreement with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors for the supply of green lasers which are planned for commercialization in the fourth quarter of 2009. Securing a second supply source for green lasers, an integral component of our PicoP display engine, strengthens our go-to-market strategy and should enable increased product availability starting early next year.
“We are rapidly approaching the introduction of Microvision’s first product based on our proprietary PicoP display engine which is scheduled for later this summer. We are completing the product reliability and quality testing and we are validating manufacturing processes at our suppliers. Additionally, we are finalizing supply quantities that will be available to support our commercial introduction this year and as we have previously indicated, we estimate that the demand for the SHOW WX will exceed the initial quantities available in 2009. We are currently negotiating purchase orders with several global customers interested in introducing SHOW WX through their channels. We are making every effort to ensure that customers will be delighted with the SHOW WX experience. It is an exciting time for Microvision as we prepare to introduce our new technology and begin taking advantage of the large mobility market opportunity,” concluded Tokman.
During the second quarter, Microvision continued to supply PicoP Evaluation Kits (PEKs) to a diverse group of customers in the consumer electronic and automotive industries. The strong demand for Microvision’s tiny laser-based PicoP display engine continues as customers explore embedding the PicoP into a variety of host devices. The company plans to supply PEKs to selected customers through the end of this year.
In June, Microvision secured a $15 million strategic investment from Walsin Lihwa through the sale of common stock and warrants. Walsin Lihwa is the parent company of Microvision’s MEMS chip manufacturer. Since the 1990's it has invested in high-tech companies in the areas of electronic components, optoelectronics, printed circuit boards and semiconductors. Walsin Lihwa has a history of seeking growth through investments into companies positioned to take advantage of large, emerging market opportunities.
Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the company announced a $1 million subcontract award from Lockheed Martin to support DARPA’s Urban Leader Tactical Response, Awareness & Visualization (ULTRA-Vis) program, an advanced technology development initiative to build a soldier worn system. Under the subcontract Microvision has agreed to develop a daylight-readable, see-through, low-profile, ergonomic eyewear display based on its ultra-miniature PicoP display engine and proprietary thin, clear Substrate Guided Relay (SGR) Optics. This contract is important to Microvision’s long-term strategic roadmap, as it provides the opportunity to advance the company’s technology for a variety of military and commercial full-color eyewear applications.
Financial Results
“We continue to focus most of our resources on the commercialization of the first PicoP based pico projection product while aggressively managing operating costs and cash burn,” said Jeff Wilson, CFO of Microvision. “Cost reduction activities initiated in the first quarter of 2009 enabled us to maintain an operating loss for the second quarter of this year consistent with 2008, despite the lower revenue.”
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, the company reported revenue of $1.9 million compared to $4.2 million for the same period in 2008 and for the three months ended June 30, 2009, the company reported revenue of $987,000 compared to $1.6 million for the same period 2008. As of June 30, 2009, the backlog totaled $854,000 compared to $679,000 at June 30, 2008. The decrease in revenue is primarily attributed to lower backlog at the beginning of 2009, which is a result of the company's strategy to focus most of its resources on commercializing PicoP products.
The company reported an operating loss for the six months ended June 30, 2009 of $18.6 million compared to $16.4 million for the same period in 2008 and $9.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared to $9.3 million for the same period in 2008.
The company reported a net loss of $19.3 million, or $0.28 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to $14.3 million, or $0.25 per share for the same period in 2008 and $10.4 million, or $0.15 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared to $9.3 million, or $0.16 per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
Net cash used in operating activities was $16.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared to $14.9 million for the same period in 2008. Net cash used in operating activities was $7.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared to $8.8 million for the first quarter of 2009. The reduction in the quarterly cash burn was primarily a result of cost reduction efforts the company implemented in the first quarter of 2009. The company ended the quarter with $26.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities.
Conference Call
Microvision will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2009 results and current business operations at 4:30 p.m. ET on August 6, 2009. Participants may join the conference call by dialing 866-356-3377 (for U.S. participants) or 617-597-5392 (for International participants) ten minutes prior to the start of the conference. The conference pass-code number is 17364883. Additionally, the call will be broadcast over the Internet and can be accessed from the company’s web site at www.microvision.com/investors. The web cast and information needed to access the telephone replay will be available through the same link following the conference call.
About Microvision
Microvision provides the PicoP display technology platform designed to enable next-generation display and imaging products for pico projectors, vehicle displays, and wearable displays that interface with mobile devices. The company also manufactures and sells its bar code scanner product line which features the company's proprietary MEMS technology. For more information, visit our website at (www.microvision.com) and our corporate blog at (www.microvision.com/displayground).
Forward Looking Statement
Certain statements contained in this release, including those relating to future product introductions, availability and supply of key components, including green lasers, applications, business partnering expectations, sales, growth, business prospects and impact of cost reductions, as well as statements containing words like “expect,” “estimates,” “plan,” “could” and other similar expressions, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the Company's forward-looking statements include the following: our ability to raise additional capital when needed; the risk of market acceptance of our technology and products, our financial and technical resources relative to those of our competitors; our planned future products dependence on advances in technology by other companies, our ability to keep up with rapid technological change; our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect our proprietary technologies; the timing of commercial product launches and delays in product development; the ability to achieve key technical milestones in key products; our ability to secure needed third party manufacturing and sales resources, dependence on third parties to develop, manufacture, sell and market our products; potential product liability claims and other risk factors identified from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in circumstances or any other reason.
posted by Ben @ 1:37 PM,
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Microvision Signs Multi-Year Agreement with OSRAM for Supply of Green and Blue Lasers
Microvision Signs Multi-Year Agreement with OSRAM for Supply of Green and Blue Lasers
REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Microvision, Inc. (Nasdaq:MVIS), a global leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display and image capture products for mobility applications announced today that it has entered into a supply agreement with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH for the supply of green and blue lasers -- key components of Microvision’s PicoP® display engine. The announcement is the second Microvision has made in recent months regarding procurement of green lasers for use in the company’s PicoP® display engine and accessory pico projector product called SHOWWX™.
Following recent success commercializing its blue laser technology, OSRAM has fourth quarter commercialization plans for its green frequency doubled laser for use in Microvision’s PicoP display engine. OSRAM is one of the world's leading manufacturers of optoelectronic semiconductors for lighting, sensor and visualization applications.
“We see a significant market opportunity for pico projectors,” said Frank Moellmer, Vice President & General Manager, Business Segment Infrared of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. “Our focused multi-year effort to develop efficient frequency doubled green lasers for consumer applications has positioned us to begin commercial production soon. We look forward to supporting the very large market opportunity offered by pico projection display technologies as developed by Microvision.”
“OSRAM has extensive laser development and manufacturing experience and we are pleased to leverage the significant progress the OSRAM team made in the development and commercialization of compact, high-speed blue and green lasers for our products," said Alexander Tokman, President and CEO of Microvision. “We look forward to continuing our strategic relationship with OSRAM to enable high volume PicoP based products and applications."
About Microvision, Inc.
Microvision provides the PicoP display technology platform designed to enable next-generation display and imaging products for pico projectors, vehicle displays, and wearable displays that interface with mobile devices. The company’s projection display engine uses highly efficient laser light sources which can create vivid images with high contrast and brightness. For more information, visit the company’s website (www.microvision.com) and corporate blog (www.microvision.com/displayground).
ABOUT OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS
OSRAM is part of the Industry sector of Siemens and one of the two leading lighting manufacturers in the world. Its subsidiary, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH in Regensburg (Germany), offers its customers solutions based on semiconductor technology for lighting, sensor and visualization applications. OSRAM Opto Semiconductors has production sites in Regensburg (Germany) and Penang (Malaysia). Its headquarters for North America is in Sunnyvale (USA), and for Asia in Hong Kong. OSRAM Opto Semiconductors also has sales offices throughout the world. In the 2008 fiscal year (to the end of September) OSRAM Opto Semiconductors employed more than 4600 people and achieved sales totaling 529 million euros. For more information go to www.osram-os.com.
Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
Certain statements contained in this release, including those relating to commercialization plans, future products, product applications and market opportunity, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the Company's forward-looking statements include the following: our ability to raise additional capital when needed; the risk of market acceptance of our technology and products, our financial and technical resources relative to those of our competitors; our planned future products dependence on advances in technology by other companies, our ability to keep up with rapid technological change; our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect our proprietary technologies; the timing of commercial product launches and delays in product development; the ability to achieve key technical milestones in key products; our ability to secure needed third party manufacturing and sales resources, dependence on third parties to develop, manufacture, sell and market our products; potential product liability claims and other risk factors identified from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in circumstances or any other reason.
posted by Ben @ 1:00 PM,
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NY Times: Kicking Reality Up a Notch
Monday, July 13, 2009
Kicking Reality Up a Notch
By LESLIE BERLIN
Published: July 11, 2009
People in Amsterdam who download a free application called Layar on their cellphones can look through the camera and see information about nearby restaurants, A.T.M.’s, and available jobs displayed in front of buildings that house them. This information is provided by companies like Hyves, the Dutch social networking site, and ING, the financial services company. The businesses pay a fee to SPRXmobile, the privately held company based in Amsterdam that developed Layar.
Layar is available in the Netherlands for phones running on the Android operating system developed by Google. Maarten Lens-FitzGerald, a co-founder of SPRXmobile, says it will be marketed later this year in the United States, Germany and Britain.
A similar product for Android phones, called Wikitude.me, provides information on 800,000 points of interest around the world, according to Philipp Breuss-Schneeweis, founder of Mobilizy, the Austrian company that developed Wikitude.me. Much of this content comes from Wikipedia, he said.
Applications like Layar and Wikitude.me, as well as projects in the research stage at Nokia, use a phone’s global positioning technology to determine a person’s location and use the phone’s compass to discern the direction the device is pointed. In this way, the phone can guess what the user is seeing. The augmented-reality application then pulls in information about points of interest in that sight line and displays it on top of the camera view.
For such location-based applications to become mainstream, they need access to vast amounts of data tagged with location information, said Blair MacIntyre, director of the Augmented Environments Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology. “Ideally they’d want to hook in with the same database that Google Maps, or Garmin, or TomTom uses,” he said. (Nokia, it should be noted, owns Navteq, which provides map data and content.)
This tagged information could also come from users. Last week, for example, Mobilizy introduced a feature that enables people to add their own content to Wikitude.me.
In the future, researchers will need to come up with a way to compensate for the shortcomings of GPS-and-compass systems, which are not perfectly precise, Mr. MacIntyre said. He expects that this can be achieved through image-recognition technology. And people may want their augmented-reality view of the world to come to them not through devices they pull out of their pockets, but through some sort of wearable technology, like special glasses or contact lenses. Such devices are still in prototype stages.
“What we are seeing today in this area are baby steps,” agreed Ori Inbar, who writes the Games Alfresco blog about augmented reality and is a co-founder of two young augmented-reality companies: Arballoon, in Tel Aviv, and Ogmento, with offices in New York and Los Angeles. “People are really excited, though, because they are seeing the next steps beyond these.”
Augmented reality will “reinvent” many industries, including health care and training, Mr. Inbar predicted. Already, researchers at the Technical University of Munich are looking at ways to display X-ray and ultrasound readings directly on a patient’s body. A research project at BMW is exploring how an augmented-reality view under the hood might help auto mechanics with diagnostic and repair work.
In the short term, the industry that may have the most to gain from augmented reality is gaming. Although video games have traditionally pulled players out of the real world and into a virtual one, augmented-reality games have the potential to “engage people in the real world in a different way,” said Daniel Sánchez-Crespo, a project leader at Novarama, a game developer based in Barcelona. “It finds a new meaning for space. Your kitchen counter is not just where you prepare dinner; it can be a virtual racetrack for a car game.”
Novarama has developed a game called Invizimals that makes it appear as if the world is populated by formerly invisible creatures that can interact with one another. Sony plans to release Invizimals for the PSP handheld device this holiday season in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.
“The real world is way too boring for many people,” Mr. Sánchez-Crespo said with a laugh. “By making the real world a playground for the virtual world, we can make the real world much more interesting.”
posted by Ben @ 12:28 PM,
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