Small Business Affinity

Huh?  What’s that you say?  Well, it’s basically a video technology that is going to make a leap to print, at least for some.     The strict definition of AR is “a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with (or augmented by) virtual computer-generated imagery – creating a mixed reality.”  Augmented Reality (AR) is the technology you see on television to “paint” the yellow first down lines you see on your television screen.

But Esquire mag is taking it to the next level this month.  On the cover, in stories, and ads, you will see a square sticker with a black and white abstract design.  Holding these squares up to a webcam that is connected to the net triggers topical videos to play.   Turn the magazine at a different bias, and the video will change or be augmented.

Expect to see a lot of this in the near term, as advertisers grow more and more frustrated with the results of “static” advertising and content.   And you’ll see it used to supplement content on phones, nav systems, and other devices.

Pictured below is an example of AR used in a digital camera viewfinder..