Extended Media played a key role in the development of SnicSnac, a mobile augmented reality (AR) platform designed for storytelling, location-based content exploration, and a wide range of applications spanning entertainment, education, tourism, and advertising. Described as a “YouTube of AR,” SnicSnac aggregates content from various partners and allows users to access both geo-specific and non-geo-specific AR experiences through a single app.
SnicSnac is available on iOS and Android and empowers users to create and share augmented reality (AR) movies directly from their smartphones. The app leverages the device’s camera and AR capabilities to seamlessly blend digital content with the real world. Users can choose from a library of pre-made 3D characters, special effects, and animations, or import their own custom assets. This allows for a wide range of creative possibilities, from adding a fantastical creature to a backyard scene to creating a full-blown science fiction epic.
It empowers users to create their own AR movies with a range of powerful and intuitive tools. A library of pre-made 3D animated characters and props provides a starting point, while a diverse collection of special effects allows for everything from subtle enhancements to spectacular visual flourishes. Users can bring these characters and effects to life with animation tools, placing them realistically within their real-world environment thanks to the app’s robust real-world tracking capabilities, powered by the phone’s camera. The built-in scene recording feature allows users to capture their AR creations, which can then be shared with the SnicSnac community or on other social media platforms. Further creative control is provided through sound effects, music options, and a range of filters and visual adjustments. Advanced users can potentially import their own custom assets. Camera+ and Geo+ extensions extend possibilities of the app.
The collaboration extended beyond the core SnicSnac platform to encompass other diverse applications of AR and related technologies. For “Smart City Barcelona“, a promotional digital movie showcasing Lenovo technology for CNN, we contributed his expertise in compositing, animation, tracking, and graphics. This project likely involved the intricate integration of 3D elements and visual effects into live-action footage, requiring proficiency in video editing, motion graphics, and potentially 3D tracking and compositing software packages.
This comprehensive collaboration with PictoryTale demonstrates a profound commitment to advancing augmented reality development, encompassing core platform creation, feature enhancement, and the exploration of AR’s potential across diverse fields such as entertainment, marketing, and cultural heritage preservation. The body of work showcases a deep expertise in AR frameworks, 3D asset creation and manipulation, mobile application development, and the conceptualization and implementation of innovative creative technology solutions.
SnicSnac makes it easy to create AR movies. You can add 3D characters and special effects to your videos, and the app makes them look like they’re really there. You can animate the characters, add sounds, and use filters to change how your video looks. When you are ready, you can also record and share your movies.
The platform boasts a robust set of technical capabilities. It supports a wide range of content types, including custom-designed 2D assets (with alpha channel support for video compositing) and 3D models. The platform’s architecture allows for the seamless integration of live-action footage of real actors with animated elements. Textual information can be overlaid onto the AR scene. Premium features include volumetric video capture and a Social Wall for content sharing and discovery. SnicSnac is also designed to be multilingual, with specific support for location-based virtual tour guide content in multiple languages. The user interface is built around QR code and AR marker recognition, simplifying the process of launching and interacting with AR experiences. Additional audio-visual features complete the immersive experience.
Extended Media’s contributions were crucial to the successful development and launch of the SnicSnac platform. Our expertise in AR technology, storytelling, and project management helped to create a robust, versatile, and user-friendly platform with a wide range of potential applications. The project demonstrated the power of AR to transform storytelling, education, and advertising, and established SnicSnac as a leading platform in the emerging field of augmented reality content creation and distribution. The project’s collaboration with major industry partners highlights its potential for growth and impact.
SnicSnac is available for download on the iOS App Store https://apps.apple.com/sa/app/snicsnac-ar/id1626114883 .