The level of nostalgia you get when you lean back, pop on a reading light, and open a book has remained the same to this day, even as technology has taken over many of our lives.
Books remain one of the most untouched bastions to enhance our power of words and imagination. But what happens when that imagination gets enhanced by technology?
Augmented Reality experiences happen.
AR technology in books has transformed some traditional books into interactive experiences, breathing life into characters and illustrations. AR technology in books offers readers a deeper connection, perfect for today's more tech-forward generations.
AR technology in books also creates fresh possibilities for educational materials and brings new layers of engagement to classic literature.
Here are a few examples.
AR technology in books: Wonderbook: Book of Spells from J.K. Rowling (2012) - I mean, any movie or piece of work that includes magic would be a phenomenal candidate to use augmented reality, right?
This companion book to the Harry Potter series allows users to cast spells and brew potions through the magic of AR. Yes, it's a bit dated, as it was around when PlayStation 3 was a thing which explains the accompanying PS3 Move controller.
But there is something satisfying about performing real motions that are recognized by an AR app to bring spells from the book to life on the screen.
AR technology in books: The Book of Alien: Augmented Reality Survival Manual (2019). I'm not going to lie: I feel like science fiction as a genre was made for this kind of Augmented Reality enhancement.
Fans of the Alien film franchise were given the chance to explore the terrifying world of the Xenomorphs through this AR-enhanced book. Through a free app, readers could bring the survival manual alive, bringing them closer to the disgusting creatures and their chilling screeches.
Don't say you were not warned, however.
AR technology in books: The Ghost Keeper's Journal and Field Guide: An Augmented Reality Adventure (2018) - Ahhhh, the ghost hunter. Long ridiculed but still on the path. This interactive book combines storytelling with AR to create a unique ghost-hunting experience.
The book's narrative follows a young ghostkeeper and readers can use the companion app to capture virtual ghosts that appear on the pages. I would love to see a Ghostbusters-themed experience like this.
AR technology in books: First of all, the picture above? That's not Moby Dick. In fact, it's not even Augmented Reality but that's a fascinating discussion for another day. No joke. However, the classic literature piece "Moby Dick" became an interactive novel about 10 years ago, when it was enhanced (some say) by a company named Zappar.
The company gave the AR treatment to a series of classics from Penguin Books including this classic tale Herman Melville novel, which used AR.
Downloading a free app allowed viewers to see 3D models of ships, whales, and other elements from the story come to life when pointed at specific illustrations within the book.
AR technology in books: Markertown by Amanda Fox (Preschool to 3rd Grade) - What a perfect age to get kids into Augmented Reality. Some may disagree but this technology will be a huge part of their lives whether our current generations like it or not.
So might as well get them into it through a delightful children's book that uses AR to turn reading into an interactive adventure.
Kids can use the free QuiverVision app to bring the whimsical characters and illustrations on the page to life with 3D animation and sound effects. Bravo, Ms. Fox.
