August 2019 is almost over, which means it’s time to look back and see what’s changed in the Augmented Reality technology industry.
Apple and the New Museum launch free AR art walks in Central Park
Apple has partnered with the New Museum to launch free, guided walks of the Park highlighting a series of site-specific, augmented reality artworks. Artists Nick Cave, Nathalie Djurberg, Hans Berg, Cao Fei, John Giorno, Carsten Höller and Pipilotti Rist—most of whom are working in AR for the first time—were tapped to transform the park into a virtual, interactive gallery of sorts, as part of the experiential project called Apple [AR]T Walk, which kicks off from the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue.
All three components of the [AR]T initiative will be available to the public beginning August 10, 2019, with pre-registration for the interactive [AR]T Walks and [AR]T Labs opening on July 30, 2019.
Google Maps adds AR navigation
Google announced that Live View is now in beta (and therefore available to a lot more people) in a post on The Keyword.
Available on both Android and iPhone, the new AR feature integrates its navigation cues with real-world surroundings. Virtual directions will point to where you need to go, offering more precise assistance. According to Google, “these new tools will simplify every step of your trip once you’ve touched down–from getting around a new city to reliving every moment once you’re home.”
Other features like “Amazing Local Food” suggestions and a “Timeline” of your location history have been added to the update, too. It can provide information on different dining options while telling you how long you’d have to wait in line and what most people order from that place. Google Maps will also save all of your travel data, storing past accommodations and flights on your “Timeline” where you can look back at how you travelled on your last trip.
Snap launches new Spectacles version
Snap Inc (SNAP.N) is launching a new version of its Spectacles sunglasses that will have the capability of capturing photos and videos and uploading them directly to its unit Snapchat.
Snap has struggled to make money from its Spectacles business and wrote down $40 million in unsold glasses in 2017.
Production will be smaller for its new Spectacles 3 version, allowing Snap to continue experimenting with augmented reality, a key focus for the technology company.