Hey, I can see the future! (Augmented Reality)

Hey, I can see the future!

Donning the most hi-tech fashion eyewear known to man is Not the only way Augmented Reality (AR) will be interjecting itself into your lives. Marketers and publishers are finding new ways to make what they do more relevant and engaging by connecting print and video via AR. 

According to Jaek Amos, Marketing Technology Manager for Communicorp—a wholly owned subsidiary of Aflac, Inc — "The ability to make print an entry point for cloud content, especially video, is a game changer. We don't have to direct the audience to a URL and hope that they log in later. They scan an image and it opens up another medium. It delivers an immediacy of engagement that is unprecedented in our field."

AR is certainly opening new doors creatively, but Marketing bosses are also happy about the data collection potential associated with AR. The 'content immediacy' provided to the consumers of the messaging also provides managers with actionable data very quickly. In fact, results on campaign and program effectiveness are often available in time to make course corrections while they are still in flight.

Communicorp recently completed an exceptionally cool AR project with outdoor clothing and gear manufacturer RealTree®, where a printed image of a hunter and his Labrador retriever in a duck blind. When scanned with the AR app, the picture launches a video in which the scene comes to life, the hunter stands and shoots, then the dog leaps into the marsh -- water drops even appear to splash on the video camera lens. It's immersive for both the Labrador and the viewer!

Why AR is driving interest:

• Adding AR links to classified and on page ads is making some newspapers relevant again (and adding millions in revenue)
• AR software maker Layar has 65,000 publishers and 38 million apps downloaded
• Ford used AR as part of its 2014 auto show events – launching video from graphics on show vehicles
• In 2015 Audi owner’s manuals for some vehicles will use AR – point your the smart phone AR app at the radio to launch a video How-To demo on using the sound system, navigation, etc.
• Lego has interactive kiosks that scan the toy packaging and launch video of the finished assembly
• Ikea is delivering videos of assembly instructions via its packaging
• We are currently working with themes that use AR to create interactive games, engaging attendees and presenting key information in new ways at -- and after corporate events

Want to talk about how AR can help move your audiences to action? Connecting Print & Video