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Esquire's Augmented Reality won't save magazines, but it sure is fun
We've seen e-ink covers on Esquire before, as well as tiny video screens betwixt the pages of Entertainment Weekly, but Esquire is back in the limelight with its "Augmented Reality" issue, which bridges the gap between your computer and the printed page.
First, you'll need to download some software from Esquire's website. Then, you hold the magazine up to your webcam and it will activate hidden content within the issue, such as making Robert Downey Jr. jump out at you or Gillian Jacobs tell you a dirty joke. The content is interactive, too — orienting the page in different ways can produce different effects.
It's all pretty slick, but is it the boon the magazine industry so dearly wants? Check it out in the video below and decide for yourself.
By HD at 2:42 PM ON 11/10/09
They may call it AR all they want, but this is simply NOT IT!
By classy at 3:24 PM ON 11/10/09
AR will never take off if we have to look at it through a monitor.. or a cell phone.. it needs to be in contact lenses so its seemless in reality, this is in a monitor how stupid
By Ferret at 3:29 PM ON 11/10/09
@HD so why is this not AR?
By Mr. Gumsandals at 4:14 PM ON 11/10/09
You're right, it won't save magazines but it is fun-- if you have the time. I wish Esquire luck. It's a great rag and if this is what it takes to keep itself alive, go for it. I don't need it since I'm there for the articles (like Playboy) and I don't need no stinkin' AR interface to make me buy it.
By roshinobi at 1:50 PM ON 11/11/09
Best Buy did the exact same thing. I think it was with their Black Friday ad last year.
By bon at 7:09 PM ON 11/11/09
extra software to download and install...
...no sale.
By Dvice Reader at 3:57 PM ON 11/12/09
The first time I saw stuff like this was from Nissan for their cube. It's kinda fun...
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The first time I saw stuff like this was from Nissan for their cube. It's kinda fun......More »