Augmented Reality: A Solid Bridge Between Print And Digital

Word on the street is that augmented reality is the up-and-coming obsession in the technology realm. In a world where people are crazy about smartphones, tablets and wearable computing devices, augmented reality along with image recognition technology add to the depth of the traditional print content. Will you hop on board? If you’re questioning the idea, or simply hope to gain more insight into augmented reality, we have some questions and answers to clear it up. Read on and learn about the future of technology.

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is a live, copy, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. It is related to a broad concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is modified (possibly even diminished rather than augmented) by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality.

By contrast, virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one. Augmentation is conventionally in real-time and in semantic context with environmental elements, such as the medal count on TV during the Olympics. With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally manipulable. Artificial information about the environment and its objects can be overlaid on the real world.

What does this mean?

According to Juniper Research, the mobile Augmented Reality market is set to increase from 60 million users this year to nearly 200 million in 2018.  By providing an interactive dimension to print, can AR technology breathe new life into traditional print media?

However, the revolutionary technology promises to provide a new life to print media including newspapers and magazines. The AR technology is to merge the digital content with print media, making the later dynamic in nature. A number of companies have already started using augmented reality apps in billboards, user manuals and print advertisement.

How is augmented reality used?

AR uses the camera sensors on smartphones and tablets to combine reality (think photographs coming to life in Harry Potter) with virtual overlays for a more dynamic interactive user experience. For example, AR technology can let readers to hold their phone in front of a printed page and see extra content on their handset. This might be a moving version of the static image on the paper, a video, a link to buy products or a game. An AR app (such as Layar, Aurasma or Blippar) searches for images and patterns on a server, validates the image and sends back the associated content.

Who uses augmented reality?

Shreeram Iyer, the chairman and CEO of Prisma Global, the company that is set to change the Indian advertising scenario, said, “With AR, digital medium will no more be a replacement for print medium, but an enhancer. The need to have print medium will be more for technology adoption.”

More than 100 global companies have adopted the mobile image recognition tool of Prisma called Snap2Life. Their client list include automobile brands like Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes as well as major food brands such as KFC, Kellogg’s and Subway. They are using Prisma’s augmented reality technology in their user manuals, billboards or print advertisements.

As with any new medium, AR relies on enhanced content to bring print to life.  Although the shift may take some time, by adding an interactive dimension to print, AR can effectively bridge the print and digital divide. Engaging, high quality print is set to be revitalized and ultimately it will be the application of AR, by marketers and publishers alike, that will help print stand the test of time. The question isn’t if you’ll use AR, it’s when. As always, keep reading, keep in touch, and keep being innovative. Call 877.990.1616 or browse online http://marketinkgroup.com/

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality

http://www.computerweekly.com/blogs/quocirca-insights/2013/11/augmented-reality-and-print-gi.html

http://www.augmentedrealitytrends.com/augmented-reality/augmented-reality-give-new-life-to-print-media.html

6 Famous Love Letters

Te amo con todo mi corazon. Everything sounds more romantic in Spanish, right? In honor of Valentine’s we have six handwritten love letters by famous people. It’s nice to know that the rich and famous still fall in love too. That’s what makes us human. We love. We marry. We have kids. We cry. We break up. We are human. Happy Valentine’s Day and enjoy these messages from the past…

1: FROM LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN TO AN UNIDENTIFIED "IMMORTAL BELOVED" (1812)

6 July, morning

My angel, my all, my own self — only a few words today, and that too with pencil (with yours) — only till tomorrow is my lodging definitely fixed. What abominable waste of time in such things — why this deep grief, where necessity speaks?

Can our love persist otherwise than through sacrifices, than by not demanding everything? Canst thou change it, that thou are not entirely mine, I not entirely thine? Oh, God, look into beautiful Nature and compose your mind to the inevitable. Love demands everything and is quite right, so it is for me with you, for you with me — only you forget so easily, that I must live for you and for me — were we quite united, you would notice this painful feeling as little as I should…

…We shall probably soon meet, even today I cannot communicate my remarks to you, which during these days I made about my life — were our hearts close together, I should probably not make any such remarks. My bosom is full, to tell you much — there are moments when I find that speech is nothing at all. Brighten up — remain my true and only treasure, my all, as I to you. The rest the gods must send, what must be for us and shall.

Your faithful

Ludwig

Ever thine.

Ever mine.

Ever ours.

2: FROM FRIDA KAHLO TO HER HUSBAND DIEGO RIVERA

Diego, my love,

Remember that once you finish the fresco we will be together forever once and for all, without arguments or anything, only to love one another.

Behave yourself and do everything that Emmy Lou tells you.

I adore you more than ever. Your girl, Frida

(Write me)

3. FROM PRESIDENT GERALD FORD (AND HIS CHILDREN) TO HIS WIFE BETTY FORD SHORTLY AFTER SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER (1974)

Dearest Mom

No written words can adequately express our deep, deep love. We know how great you are and we, the children and Dad, will try to be as strong as you.

Our Faith in you and God will sustain us. Our total love for you is everlasting.

We will be at your side with our love for a wonderful Mom.

xxxx

Jerry

4. FROM KING HENRY VIII TO ANNE BOLEYN (WHILE HE WAS STILL MARRIED TO CATHERINE OF ARAGON), 1527

Darlyng thowght I haue scant laysor yet remembryng my pmes I thowthe it go covenyent to certefy yow brevely in what case oure affaires stande as tochyng a loggyng for yow we haue gotton won by my lord cardinall menys the hafe weroff colde nott haue bene fond her abowght for all causys as thys berar shall more shew yow as tochyng oure other affayres I ensure yow ther can be no more done nor more diligente usyd nor all maner off dangers better bothe forsene and unintelligible for so thatt I trust it shall be heraffter to bothe our comforte the specialltes weroff wer bothe to long to be wryttyn and hardly by messenger to be declaryd wherfore tyll your repayre hyder I kepe suyynge in store trusty it shall nott be long to for I haue causyd my lord your fader to make hys prisions wt spede and thus for lake off tyme derlyng I make a nende off my letter wryttyn wt the hand off hym whyche I wolde wer yours

H.R

Nenmoins il nappertiente pas a vng gentylle home pur prendre sa dame au lieu de suivante toute foyse ensuyvant vos desires volen tiers le vous ont royroy si per cela vous puisset revere moins ingrate en la plase per vous choysye qavez este en la plase par moy donee en vous marciant tres cordiallement quel vous plete encors avoire quelque sovenace de moy. B.N.R.I. de R.O.M.V.E.Z.

Henry R.

5. : FROM JIMI HENDRIX TO A GIRLFRIEND HE CALLED "LITTLE GIRL"

little girl…..

happiness is within you….so unlock the chains from your heart and let yourself grow—
like the sweet flower you are…..
I know the answer—
Just spread your wings and set yourself
FREE

Love to you forever

Jimi Hendrix

6. FROM JOHNNY CASH TO HIS WIFE JUNE

Hey June,

That’s really nice June. You’ve got a way with words and a way with me as well.

The fire and excitement may be gone now that we don’t go out there and sing them anymore, but the ring of fire still burns around you and I, keeping our love hotter than a pepper sprout.

Love John

Some of these letters are precious and heartwarming, while others are practically indecipherable (we’re talking about you King Henry VIII!). We wish you a merry Valentine’s Day. Be it your husband, your mother or your friend, hopefully you can spend time with your loved ones. Have a great day. We’ll see you next week!

With love from all of us,

Marketink

866.245.6723

Source: http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669022/12-hand-written-love-letters-from-famous-people-from-henry-viii-to-michael-jordan

Win Your Customer's Hearts This Valentines Day

Cupid’s at it again. But this Valentine’s Day, he’s doing more than making couples fall in love. He’s on a mission to make people fall in love with your company. So this year, channel your inner-Cupid to make your customers swoon. Here’s a few ways you can make your customers feel your company’s love this Valentines Day.

Shoot An Arrow At Their Doorstep

Reach back in your mind to elementary school days. The hand-cut, glitter-glued cards showed up every year from admiring classmates. While some contained heartfelt secrets and confessions, others were more impersonal. It was clear that the sender didn’t personalize the card when your best friend received the same message that consisted of a simple “Happy Valentines Day.”

Don’t be the impersonal sender. Instead, make your customers remember your message. Put his or her name on it using variable printing or include a special offer that each specific client could best utilize. If one client has been known to purchase a certain product or service in the past, send them a coupon for their next go around. Whether you include a discount or just drop a personalized card to show you care, customers love to know that you appreciate them.

Compete for Their Heart

Who wouldn’t love to be won over? After all, you work to win over customers year-round. Win your clients over by letting them get into the competitive spirit. Host a contest to get customers into your doors. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt, a dress up competition or a guessing game, you can drive customers into your business by offering fun prizes for the holiday.

You can even get into the holiday spirit without ever leaving your business. Simply engage a social media contest. Make a post asking customers to write about their worst Valentine’s Day experience, their best Valentine or their plans for the evening. Have your company pick their favorite response and award a prize. But read up on Facebook rules about contests before posting.

Refer a Friend, Sweeten the Deal

You love your current clients, and there have to be more customers out there that would love your company’s attention. And who better to advocate for your business than the clients you already have? This Valentine’s Day start a referral program to drive in more customers to your business. Then, sweeten the deal for your current clients who participate. Offer them a traditional discount, give them a fun gift or simply hand them cash. No matter the incentive, you’ll have more customers spreading the love.

Looking for more awesome ideas for Valentines Day or any other day? Let’s schedule your free 20 minute brainstorming session! Call: 866.245.6723