Tag: aeromobile

The popular mobile app is reportedly working on its first ever hardware product which will provide AR.

Snapchat is reportedly in the midst of developing its first hardware offering in the form of an augmented reality headset. Reports have stated that it will arrive in the form of AR glasses that will be comparable to the HoloLens from Microsoft or even Google Glass.

As of yet, Snapchat has yet to officially confirm that it is indeed pursuing this type of device.

At the same time, more fuel was added to the fire behind the claim that Snapchat was coming up with an augmented reality headset following a recent move. The disappearing photo app joined the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. That is a wireless technology industry body. It suggests that, at the very least, Snapchat is working on a device of some kind.

Moreover, this would not be Snapchat’s first foray into the world of augmented reality technology. It has already added a spectrum of new filters – called Lenses – within its mobile app.

The augmented reality headset would take the experience beyond accessorizing selfies.

While the Lenses make it possible to add drawings, masks and other kinds of alterations and accessories to photos, the device would take digital enhancements beyond pictures. The company would be able to take a similar concept to Lenses and apply it to wearable technology. It would be possible without needing to look at a smartphone screen.

The company has also reportedly been hiring from augmented reality departments of large tech firms. These include Google, Logitech and even Nokia. While there has been some interest in AR expressed by Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoft, none of these giants have yet to launch a successful product based on that tech.

Google had a limited launch of its Google Glass wearable technology, having unveiled it in 2012. However, it halted its sales only three years later in part because of the criticism it drew regarding its hefty price and certain usage habits. For instance, drivers were being pulled over for being behind the wheel while wearing it. People were being questioned by police when wearing them into movie theatres. Moreover, the general public disliked the fact that they could be filmed by a wearer without knowing it.

In 2014, Snapchat acquired an augmented reality headset product making company called Vergence Labs. Ahead of the acquisition, the company launched a fashionable glasses range called Epiphany Eyewear which can record up to 32GB of footage and store it.

The first B747-8 planes have now been delivered with the in flight AeroMobile service.

Boeing has now delivered its very first B747-8 aircraft that will be completely line fitted with the in flight AeroMobile mobile technology service that will then be expanded across many more.

This first craft has been delivered to Lufthansa, a German carrier which seeks to expand the service.

Lufthansa has stated that it will be rolling out the mobile technology throughout all of its long haul fleet before the end of this year. Aside from the B747-8 model aircraft, there will be another model from Boeing that has also already received its clearance for the line fit of AeroMobile. This will be the B777-300ER. Among the customers for that aircraft are Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Thai Airways.

The AeroMobile mobile technology is based in the United Kingdom and allows for cell phone use.

The tech makes it possible for passengers on the fitted aircraft to be able to use their smartphones to be able to make calls, send texts, and surf the web while they are on a flight. AeroMobile has established roaming agreements with over 240 wireless operators that will then pass the costs onward to their own subscribers.

According to Kevin Rogers, the chief executive at AeroMobile, “Consumers expect to be connected 24/7 and being up in the air is no longer an exception.” Clearly, it is the intention of these airlines to be able to provide a service that allows them to continue to meet those expectations so that they can provide consumers with the experience that they want.

Rogers went on to explain that last year, this mobile technology service observed an increase of nearly 80 percent in the number of passengers who were using their smartphones and mobile devices while they were onboard. Within that same span of time, there was also ten times more data usage than there had been the previous year, and there was a 50 percent rise in the number of text messages that were sent and received. Clearly consumers expect to be able to communicate regardless of whether they are in the air or on the ground.