Tag Archives: Augmented Reality

M4: P4 – Snap Inc.’s Spectacles

Here’s another non-Indigenous product that, in my opinion, would prove useful for connecting Indigenous knowledge to the land. This product is called Spectacles and was created by Snap Inc. According to Snap Inc.’s website, “Snap Inc. is a camera company.” However, they dabble in social media through its parent company, Snapchat. Regardless of the origin story, Snap offers a new version of Spectacles that claim to be a “pair of glasses that bring augmented reality to life”.

Photo: Snap

Spectacles take augmented reality (AR) that is normally experienced through a handheld device, to the user’s eyes in what could be considered immersive AR. Not only are they immersive, but the user can now experience AR hands-free because the device is worn as a set of eyeglasses with controls on the side. You have seen these sorts of glasses in movies such as Iron Man (2008), to Minority Report (2002), and if you want to stretch, Predator (1987). Many, if not all, of the FAAMG big tech companies are trying their hands at this technology, but have yet to do it right. It may be some years yet, but something to consider to augment AR.

Image: Snap

M3: P4 – Augmented Reality Platforms

By no means is this an exhaustive list of AR platforms out there, but these are the ones that I gleaned from the Amanda Almond (2021) paper “We Are All Related: (Re)Storying With Augmented Reality to Build Indigenous-Settler Relations”. These AR platforms in the form of apps virtually augment user experiences IRL, and would offer Indigenous storytelling, hence learning experiences in various ways. I have provided slogans or offerings in quotations below from each website that help explain what they provide. However, one aspect of these apps that I would like to explore is the protection of the user’s data since Indigenous knowledge is kept with sacred keepers, and only extended to certain initiates.

Wikitude: “Create unparalleled AR experiences with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the world around you.”

Actionbound: “Take people on real-world treasure hunts and guided walks.”

Ruptersland: “Rupertsland AR is an augmented reality app that is contributing to breaking new ground in Métis education with innovative tools for engagement and community building.”

Beaconstac: “Your entire proximity marketing solution [is] seamlessly connected to deliver the best customer experience.” Proximity marketing is a wireless means of communicating advertising to devices with compatible equipment.

Roar: “Scalable Cloud based SaaS Augmented Reality Content Creation Platform for Your Brand.”

Zappar: “The world’s leading augmented reality platform and creative studio.”

awe: “Your awe web app makes it easy for you to deliver Mixed Reality experiences through standard web browsers. Create and design your Mixed Reality content on almost any device, using only your web browser and awe.media.”

izi.travel: “We believe that every site or work of art has a story waiting to be told. That stories bring art, streets and cities to life. And that stories connect people.”

Reference

Almond, A. (2021). We Are All Related:(Re) Storying With Augmented Reality to Build Indigenous-Settler Relations (Master’s thesis). Retrieved from https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/4a4675d1-cdb5-4b15-8a6f-c708b0c948c1/view/990435ed-0a71-43d1-908a-fd9f45af05bb/Almond_Amanda_202103_MA.pdf

M3: P2 – Art Processors

Art Processors is an Australian creative technology company that focuses on enhancing visitor experiences in museums and galleries alike. Of the several projects that they showcase on their “Our Work” page on their website, three are Indigenous based: “WA Museum Boola Bardip”, “Josh Muir: What’s on Your Mind?”, and “Awaken”. In boasting that their “work strives to create a harmony between people, place, content and technology”, Art Processors incorporates the holistic approach of Indigenous knowledge and understanding, meanwhile building it with digital technology.

M3: P1 – Google Arts & Culture

This was a tough one for me to find, and in the end post. My first thought and search was for Google Expeditions, a Google app that offers virtual reality and augmented reality educational tours: well, I might say, “offered”. This app is going to be discontinued as of June 30, 2021 – next week! Turns out that much of what the app offered is moving over to Google Arts & Culture. Unfortunately, unlike Expeditions where students could use Google Cardboard and a mobile device to navigate through virtual worlds, Google Arts & Culture simply offers virtual tours. Regardless, some of the Google Arts & Culture tours offer an interesting means to teach and tell a story, and some are Indigenous. However, I do find it difficult to post this as these Indigenous stories and teachings are lumped together with arts & culture in an archival way, and not in a continuous, contemporary way that this knowledge should be displayed.