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Sony shows off PlayStation Vita's augmented reality chops at GDC, leaves the AR marker cards at home
The PlayStation Vita's current augmented reality mini-games may be anchored to a handful of marker cards, but it doesn't have to be that way. Front and center at Sony's GDC booth was "Magnet," a developer tech demo that shows off the next generation handheld's markerless chops. The application maps out the texture and patterns to create its own marker, which would allow developers to create more natural AR experiences that won't burden players with the hassle of carrying around marker cards. Sony says the tech demo won't be evolving into a full game, but hopes it will inspire developers to build something new and exciting for the handheld. Although staff on hand couldn't say for sure that this is an off-shoot of Sony's SmartAR technology, we think it looks awfully familiar.
Sony shows off markerless AR technology
Sony Computer Entertainment's dabbled in the Augmented Reality space with titles like Invizimals and Eyepet, but if a recent Sony press release is any indication, its parent company is investing a bit more into AR technology. The release explains the company's in-development "Smart AR" application, which can superimpose a 3D model on a real-life object without the use of special markers -- rather, the technology can recognize entire objects, such as menus and posters. In addition to eschewing the usual AR codes required to recognize objects, Smart AR can recognize compatible objects moving at extremely high speeds. Check out the press release for a brief outline of the tech's capabilities, as well as an impressive video demonstration. Man, we want that pink bear to walk on everything we own.
