Augmented reality featured on cover of Rolling Stone
Augmented reality has come to South Africa. The technology, which is acclaimed for its ability to engage consumers with high quality digital content, has been experiencing a rapid rate of growth and adoption all over the world. Augmented reality is capable of providing consumers with a dynamic experience where they would have otherwise found nothing, which is part of the reason the technology has become so popular with businesses. This week, the South African edition of Rolling Stone magazine brought the technology into the limelight by featuring augmented reality on its cover.
Cover content unlocked using Layar
The cover of the magazine, as well as some of the pages therein, are embedded with digital experiences that can be unlocked using a smart phone. These experiences were crafted with the help of Layar, one of the world’s leading augmented reality platforms. Much of the digital content that consumers can unlock is concerned with musician Anno Carstens. This content, much of which takes the form of interactive video, can be seen using the Layar mobile application, which is available for both Android and iOS platforms.
Sony’s Wonderbook also arrives in South Africa
The magazine is not the only ship that brought augmented reality to South Africa. Acclaimed game maker Sony has also launched a new title called Wonderbook in the country. Wonderbook is a peripheral system for the Playstation 3, which allows gamers to experience augmented reality content. The first title that will be associated with the Wonderbook platform comes from prestigious author J.K. Rowling and will feature that magical spells that Rowling’s Harry Potter has become known for.
Country could become a valued market for augmented reality products in the future
Augmented reality is making waves around the world. South Africa is one of the latest countries to see augmented reality find its way into magazines and games. If consumers respond favorably to the technology, South Africa may become a primary market for companies that are interested in providing digital services and content based upon this technology.
On Track Innovations announces $2 million order for NFC terminals
On Track Innovations, a leading developer and marketer of NFC-enabled products, has announced that it has received a $2 million order for its NFC payment terminals. These terminals are able to facilitate mobile transactions between a business and consumer at point-of-sale through the interpretation of digital information transmitted by an NFC-enabled mobile device. The demand for these terminals has been growing quickly in recent months due to the expansion of mobile commerce and the growing availability of NFC-enabled devices.
Company plans to deliver systems throughout 2013
On Track Innovations plans to deliver its NFC terminals to its customers during the latter months of 2012 and throughout 2013. The company notes that the $2 million order it has received represents orders from several companies around the world, all of which are preparing for the arrival of NFC-enabled devices and the growth of mobile commerce. The terminals will allow these companies to accept mobile payments from platforms supported by MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and other financial institutions.
On Track Innovations has already delivered 50,000 units this year
Earlier this year, On Track Innovations announced that it had delivered more than 50,000 NFC terminals to customers around the world, with many located in Europe and the U.S. Both regions represent the strongest growth of the mobile commerce industry, with the penetration of NFC-enabled mobile devices being highest in these markets. These markets have proven the most attractive to mobile commerce companies because of the high interest consumers seem to have in mobile payments.
Mobile commerce growth driving demand for NFC terminals amongst businesses
The companies that have ordered NFC terminals from On Track innovations have not yet been disclosed. The identity of these companies may be revealed at a later date, at the discretion of On Track Innovations. For now, the order represents a sign that the mobile commerce industry is establishing a stronger presence around the world and pushing companies to prepare to serve consumers that are eager to participate therein.
