Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that brings digital images, sounds, and other data into a user’s field of view in real time. As one of the top tech companies in the world, Apple is pushing forward with their efforts in the AR space — and their first big project is “Planet of the Apps”.
Planet of the Apps is a reality TV series produced by Apple that debuted on June 6th 2017. It allows aspiring app developers to showcase their ideas and receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs within the tech industry. Each episode includes two app pitches tested by judges outside of Apple. Ultimately, a winner will be selected who will receive $10,000 and one-on-one mentorship from Jesse Levin from Apple Music and Zane Lowe from Beats One.
The show marks Apple’s foray into augmented reality content creation as applications for augmented reality experiences are highlighted on screen. Using testimonies from existing developers and app users, as well as live demos in front of an audience lead by presenter Will I Am, Planet of the Apps shows that current virtual reality developers are using these techniques to drive cutting-edge concepts further than ever before – all while demonstrating how easy it can be to create these experiences with performance tools provided by partners like Unity or Unreal Engine 4.
Planet of the Apps demonstrates how far AR has come over recent years — more importantly it showcases its potential for impacting our lives – both fun and functional – in ways we couldn’t even imagine just a few years ago. By displaying real world apps that enable you to interact with 3D objects within your camera’s frame, Apple has successfully shown how close we’re to fully immersive augmented realities.
What is AR?
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes computer-generated images and data onto a user’s real world view. AR enhances a user’s understanding of the physical environment by overlaying digital information directly within the context of their experience. It has many applications and can be used to create virtual instruction manuals, measure distances, map out directions, find restaurants and shops nearby, watch movies in 3D, play games and more.
Apple first developed its AR technology in 2017 by introducing ARKit for iOS devices. The company followed up with its first major AR content project in 2019 with Apple Arcade’s “The Machines”. “The Machines” is an augmented reality strategy game where players engage in epic interplanetary battles fought through incredible 3D experiences on real-world surfaces like tables or floors. Players can control their machines using simple finger gestures or hand grips to defeat their enemies or build intricate defenses on their team’s territory. The game applies all the latest advancements in augmented reality technology to bring an exhilarating gaming experience that feels like it’s taking place right there in front of you!
Apple’s For All Mankind AR Project
Apple recently announced their first big AR content project – a tie-in with their popular show For All Mankind. This project offers users a unique immersive experience using Augmented Reality technology. It combines the virtual and physical worlds to create engaging experiences in previously unseen ways.
In this section, we will discuss the details of Apple’s For All Mankind AR Project, its features, and the impact it may have.
Overview
Apple’s first big AR content project is “For All Mankind,” an app that allows users to experience the first human steps on the Moon through augmented reality. It features 3D models of iconic landmarks from 1969, interactive objects such as command module service modules and lunar modules of Apollo 11 and 12 and 3D scans of historical photographs. In addition, users can explore their virtual environment augmented with videos and audio to gain firsthand insight into the Apollo 11 mission.
The main draw of For All Mankind is its sheer interactivity. There are multiple objectives for users to accomplish – from discovering various historical artifacts to uncovering stories hitherto untold. The app also enables access to experts from NASA’s Apollo Program, who provide educational value on various aspects of the mission, and conversations with some of those involved in past missions. In addition, Apple’s AR technology allows for immersive recreations that give an accurate picture of what it was like to walk on the moon during one of these historic missions.
With its realistic 3D environments and captivating interactive elements, Apple’s For All Mankind project brings back some of humanity’s most iconic moments in a new light – a perfect way for users to deepen their understanding or just relive a piece of history through immersive augmented reality experiences.
Features
Apple’s first big AR content project is For All Mankind: An AR Adventure. This augmented reality experience debuted in late 2020 and is set within the world of the popular Apple TV+ television series of the same name.
The app asks users to embark on an interstellar journey, using their device’s camera and augmented reality features to explore various planets and locations where mankind has established outposts and colonies. Users can join forces with “Makers” — creators from around the world — to uncover secrets from space.
For All Mankind offers a variety of interactive game-play opportunities and rewards, including:
- Missions: Team up with a group of Makers to investigate mysterious objects scattered across planets and solar systems.
- Buildables: Collect enough items to build gadgets and other technologies that allow you to discover more secrets in space.
- Networking: Interact with Makers from diverse backgrounds, exchange ideas, make connections, level up your skills as you go along your journey.
- Intergalactic Travelogue: Collect planetary passports as you explore new worlds, documenting adventures in space for fellow Makers challenge future generations of travelers.
By engaging players in interactive missions while they explore these vibrant planets and colonies, the app hopes to create an immersive –and educational– experience that captivates its audience while challenging their creative ingenuity.
Benefits of Apple’s AR Project
Apple’s first big AR content project, dubbed “The Scientists,” is a partnership between Apple and The Smithsonian Institution to create an augmented reality (AR) experience for iPhone and iPad users. This project will provide an educational experience that immerses users in the life and achievements of major historical scientific figures.
The primary benefit of Apple’s AR Project is its ability to allow people to engage with history in a way that simply wasn’t possible before. By learning about the incredible accomplishments these scientists made and seeing them brought to life through augmented reality, people will be able to truly appreciate their lives and all that they did for our society. It is also hoped that this deeper appreciation can lead to greater interest in science among younger generations, thus prompting them to pursue STEM-based fields when they grow older.
In addition, AR technology allows educators teaching their classes remotely to have their students interact with virtual elements without having them physically present. By being able Apple’s AR Project in their lessons, teachers can easily help nurture a meaningful connection between students and the scientific figures they are learning about while maintaining proper social distancing protocols.
Finally, Apple’s choice of partnering with The Smithsonian Institution provides additional credibility for the project and access to exceptional experts who can offer reliable facts about each figure featured within the app.
Challenges Faced by Apple
Apple’s foray into augmented reality started in 2016, when Cook announced that Apple would invest heavily in the technology. Since then, the company has launched several augmented reality products, such as iPhone apps like Preview and MeasureKit. One of their major projects for 2021 is the introduction of an all-new AR app called “Glimpse”.
However, Apple faces several challenges in creating its first big AR content project. One of these challenges is user adoption – a lack of people using the app or having access to compatible devices could impede its success. Furthermore, Apple has to create content specifically designed for AR; existing video games or films must be repurposed and modified for an immersive experience on a device like the iPhone. Building an entertaining application within this framework can be difficult, as could ensuring it complies with Apple’s stringent security and privacy regulations. Finally, the presence of alternatives such as Google Cardboard could impact Glimpse’s success and adoption rate by competing with it before it even launches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple’s first big AR content project is rumored to be an extended version of the popular game Pokémon Go. Dubbed “Pokémon Go Plus,” the game is set to bring back some of the original elements from Pokémon Go, along with new features specifically tailored for Apple’s augmented reality hardware. The game will be available on iOS and Mac devices, with expectations of a worldwide launch in 2021. However, this may change depending on how Apple’s hardware develops. As such, we recommend keeping an eye on any official announcements from Apple in this regard.
