Augmented reality continues to make waves in the world of print, as some of the world’s most prolific gaming magazines announce that they will be using the technology for upcoming cover stories. Xbox Magazine, Playstation Magazine, and PC Gamer have all announced that they will use augmented reality for special editions of their covers featuring the upcoming game Far Cry 3. To accomplish this, the magazines have teamed with Aurasma, a leading augmented reality platform.
Future US sets sights on interactive technology to engage readers
Future US, which owns the magazines, has decided to use augmented reality in order to engage readers in a more dynamic fashion. The technology has proven itself capable of accomplishing this feat effectively in the past in numerous marketing campaigns. Future US believes that the technology can help bring new content to the audiences of the magazines in a way that they will enjoy and help generate hype behind the looming release of Far Cry 3.
Readers will be able to access exclusive content through special edition covers
Playstation Magazine will be the first to run its augmented reality cover on October 23. Both Xbox Magazine and PC Gamer will run their covers on November 6. Readers with smart phones equipped with the Future AR application will be able to access the digital content that is contained within the covers of these magazines. This content will range from exclusive video footage of the game to interviews with the game’s developers.
Augmented reality may help print remain relevant
When it comes to games, augmented reality is most often used as a gimmick to provide some novelty entertainment to gamers. The technology could help print establish a foothold in a time where most consumers favor their mobile devices over traditional media. Though magazines have managed to hold some favor with consumers, many publications are still feeling the pressure caused by the advent of mobile technology. Thus, these publications must find ways to adapt if they want to continue being relevant with their audience.
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.
