MagiMask ditches split screen stereoscopic AR in favor of a unique full screen viewing experience.
Your standard headset-based augmented reality experience utilizes split-screen stereoscopic rendering to project two identical images for each eye. This creates a sense of 3D-depth when viewed through specially-designed lenses.
MagiMask, a new AR headset from Norwegian-based start-up Ludenso, hopes to mix up the existing formula by offering an AR experience that uses a brand new design to allow for full screen, high-definition augmented reality.
According to the team, this form of full-screen AR not only provides immersive experiences at 4x the resolution of stereoscopic content, but it also opens up access to a variety of AR-based applications not compatible with conventional, stereoscopic headsets. Theoretically, any app that can function in landscape mode, such as Netflix or Hulu, is compatible with the one-of-a-kind device. Ludenso will also provide physical tracker objects to enhance the users experience. This includes the MagiTile, which helps stabilize 3D objects, as well as the MagiDice, which lets users interact with digital objects in a 3D space.
Based on the information provided on the products official Kickstarter page, it appears as though the headset must be extended away from the users face in order to function properly. While both the specially-designed lens and full-screen capabilities promise to provide users with a comfortable, high-def experience, this convenience appears to come at a cost.
Not only will adjusting the headset so far from the users head undoubtedly increase the overall weight of the device, but it also appears to create a surrounding dead space in which the headsets various internals can be seen during an experience.
“We believe people have been led into the AR market with false hopes and outrageously expensive hardware. We have created a hardware platform for mobile AR using our unique head-mounted display and tracker kit. Our HMD works with 99% of the existing apps without customizations, and gives 100% augmented FOV and improved resolution,” said Eirik Wahlstrøm, CEO and co-founder of Ludenso.
“Our low cost and innovative technology will enable developers around the world to have the hardware tools they need to reach millions of customers and give tech enthusiasts the opportunity to own an AR headset without having to spend thousands of dollars.”
While Ludenso does have an active Kickstarter campaign, the company prefer you think of it as more of a pre-order destination, as MagiMask will release regardless of its funding goal. Not that it matters considering the headset has already surpassed its initial goal by $7,617 USD as of the time of this writing.
MagiMask will begin shipping to customers worldwide Q1 2019.
Image Credit: Ludenso
