Metaio brings new updates to SDK, showing off new technologies and techniques for developers
Metaio, one of the world’s leading developers of augmented reality technology, has introduced a new update to its SDK. The company’s development kit has become rampantly popular with software developers interested in making use of augmented reality and introducing this technology into applications. As augmented reality becomes more popular, Metaio is looking to ensure that its SDK retains a high place in the affections of developers around the world. As such, the company has introduced a variety of new features to the platform.
Platform includes new SLAM technology
Metaio has introduced an updated SDK powered by a new iteration of its Augmented Reality Experience Language (AREL). This language provides for more dynamic control of augmented reality components during development stages. The new SDK also includes an updated Metaio Creator platform, an augmented reality desktop publishing tool for users with limited technical experience. Advanced camera technologies are also included in the new SDK, along with support of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology.
SLAM allows mapping of large physical space
Metaio has produced a number of videos to demonstrate the capabilities of the updated SDK. Metaio has taken time to focus on the new SLAM techniques used by the SDK to improve mapping and produce more robust augmented reality experiences. This new technology allows the Metaio SDK to produce augmented reality content on large physical spaces, providing more flexibility for developers that want to stretch the boundaries of the technology.
New SDK may help push the boundaries of augmented reality
With the updates SDK, Metaio believes developers will have a better time creating high quality and immersive augmented reality experiences. Metaio continues to be a powerful name in the augmented reality business, service as a platform for dynamic digital content and showing that augmented reality can become much more than a novelty technology that is used only in advertising or gaming.
Hands-Free Videophone combines augmented reality with glasses
Augmented reality glasses may have lost some steam over the past few months, but that does not mean they are disappearing from the horizon of the commercial market. NTT Docomo, a leading mobile network operator with a keen interest in NFC technology, has developed a new head-mounted augmented reality device called the Hands Free Videophone. The device enables users to receive video calls without having to rely on any kind of handheld device. The Hands-Free Videophone is part of Docomo’s ongoing research and development project concerning high-tech glasses.
Device capable of creating digital video based on user’s face
The Hands Free Videophone is equipped with three cameras that are used to capture a user’s face. The cameras capture several pictures, which are combined in real time and converted into a video, which can then be sent to another device. In its current state, the Hands-Free Videophone and produce high definition images and videos, but the device’s cameras and augmented reality system are not yet powerful enough to render complex movements, such as those seen in the mouth during speech.
Device may have a future amongst traveling business professionals
The device is designed to create a digital video based on the face of its wearer. As such, the device will be completely invisible on the digital representation of the user when conducting a video call. This may be a welcome feature for those interested in augmented reality but turned off by the often bulky designs of head-mounted technology. Docomo believes that the Hands-Free Videophone could eventually find a great deal of use amongst the business community, especially those who frequently travel for work.
Development to accelerate in near future
NTT Docomo is committed to the continuous development of the Hands Free Videophone. The device is currently in the prototype stages of development, but Docomo believes that its work on the project will begin to accelerate within the next few months. The company is currently focused on improving the video rendering capabilities of the device so that more detailed videos can be produced.
