The augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) experience continues to boom. While some are narrowed in on its application beyond gaming for things such as interactive household appliance apps or modeling, startup Magic Leap is focused on creating a fun introduction to the immersive experience.
During the company’s first creator conference, it unveiled several AR/VR products either coming or ready to run. The announcement included an update to Create, an app that showcases Magic Leap One’s engaging mapping and spatial audio—created to amplify the user’s sense of immersion during the interaction with virtual objects.
“If we were going do it right, if we were going to do it the Magic Leap way, it had to be really fun,” said Jeremy Vanhoozer, senior creative director at Magic Leap Studios. “It had to make people laugh and smile. I think that is what Create is. It’s a combination of introducing people to the concept but also helping them have a lot of fun while doing it. Feeling comfortable to explore their space.”
Although not specifically a game, Create allows the user to create their own world. Low-resolution figures and building blocks can be dropped into a room, where they interact and respond to objects in the real world. The app lets people unleash their imagination, which could mean building reefs out from the wall, simulating a battle on the coffee table or watching UFOs flying across the room.
In the newest version, the company made a few additions beyond a few more blocks and cubes. Recorder Cube allows for creations to be saved and used at a later time. It also includes the option to record and import your own sounds, giving the experience an added layer of personalization.
The update also introduces a new interactive character, Astronaut, who is designed to give users a clearer understanding of virtual and real-world interactions. Astronaut helps showcase the app’s virtual physics, such as making a landing on a real-world object. The character also features scanning behaviors and can recognize and salute other Astronauts, further adding to an authentic immersive experience.
Although Magic Leap is still building on its hardware technology, this latest addition seems to show the company is on the right track to provide seamless AR/VR experiences.