Author: Julie Campbell

Augmented reality for kids brings bedtime stories to life

| December 4, 2013

This AR technology has been used by TexTales so that it can be woven right into the child’s bedding.

TexTales is a newly launched product out of Eindhoven in the Netherlands, which uses augmented reality for kids worked into sets of bed sheets for children, so that they can bring bedtime stories to life.

The images appear to come alive directly out of the printed patterns on their bedding.

When a tablet or a smartphone is directed at the bed sheets with this augmented reality for kids, the bedding displays three dimensional images of fairy tale characters. When the sheets are purchased, they come with a free accompanying app that gives parents the ability to either play pre-existing stories or to create their own special stories. These can then be played for their children during playtime or before bedtime.

The images that are created on the fabric are recognized by special software using augmented reality for kids.

Augmented Reality for Kids - Bedtime Story SheetsWhen the app is open and the device is aimed at the images on the sheets, the custom made software detects these specific images and activates various elements, allowing parents and children to be able to interact with those images, that appear to move around on the screen.

The TexTales app is compatible with devices based on Android 2.3 and higher, as well as those based on iOS 5 and higher. To work with the AR technology, they have to be equipped with a rear-facing camera. This product was developed based on another project that had been previously pursued by Kristi Kuusk. It is considered to be a collaborative venture among studio Toer, Unit040, Johan van den Acker Textielfabriek, and the Eindhoven University of Technology. It is also part of a greater project which is known as CRISP Smart Textile Services.

In order to be able to raise the funds to create the sheets with augmented reality for kids, and to be able to develop the project so that it would be possible to create more characters and stories, TexTales launched a Kickstarter campaign. This allowed them to custom create the software necessary for these added elements.

QR codes on stamps digitally enhance snail mail

| December 2, 2013

These quick response codes allow senders to attach video content to their letters and parcels.

Hrvatska Pošta, the Croatian mail system has already been using QR codes on stamps in order to allow the postal service in the country to be able to track the location of the mail that it is responsible for sending.

Now, Australia Post has also added these barcodes to its services, but in an entirely new way.

Where Hrvatska Pošta is using QR codes for internal functions that help them to better serve their customers, Australia Post is providing mail senders with an entirely new service. With these barcodes, customers in Australia can link them to video messages that they have recorded and then send them as stamps on physical envelopes that can be scanned by the recipient and viewed on their smartphones or tablets.

These postage stamps with QR codes are special editions and each have their own unique barcodes.

QR Codes on Snail MailThe quick response codes are printed on the envelopes for free for customers that are sending their mail through the Express Post or Express Courier International Service from the postal service. The service comes with an instruction card that signals to the recipient that this is more than just a standard barcode. It encourages them to download the Video Stamp app, for free, from the Apple App Store and from Google Play.

Those cards are attached to the packages and letters and can be peeled off by the recipient so that the directions can be followed. From the time that the letter is sent, the sender has 12 hours in which to record their video message so that it will be possible for the recipient to view the message upon receipt.

This unique use of the QR codes gives Australia Post the opportunity to bring their traditional type of shipping into the present by linking physical mail with the digital environment. This service has been released just in time for Christmas – the busiest time of the mail sending year – allowing consumers to be able to send their video messages to recipients along with cards and gifts.