Although augmented reality has been around for a while, it’s only in the past couple of years that the technology has gone mainstream. This can be partly attributed to Pokémon Go, a game which delighted fans by making wild monsters appear on the sidewalk — albeit with the aid of some smartphone magic.
That very same illusion takes a more compelling form with the new MagiMask AR headset. This device works much like a virtual reality headset, but it uses the real world as a backdrop. As a result, you can walk with dinosaurs and hold a beating human heart.
Since Apple released the ARKit with iOS 11 and Google followed suit earlier this year with ARCore, there has been an explosion in AR content. From make-up tutorials to multi-screen college football, there’s literally something for everyone.
Feel immersed with MagiMask
The MagiMask AR headset takes advantage of this content boom, while offering a unique experience. To start viewing, you simply unzip the compartment at the front of the headset and slip in your smartphone.
MagiMask is powered by your smartphone
Whereas most headsets deliver content through two eyepieces, MagiMask offers an unbroken view. This also means you get a higher resolution, as no pixels are obscured by a central column.
Get HD AR content with MagiMask
MagiMask is compatible with Android, iOS and other mobile platforms. In addition, the headset comes with a pack of MagiTools — physical trackers that allow your phone to place digital objects in the real world.
The MagiMask trackers
It’s these trackers that really add the magic to MagiMask. While it’s fun to see things floating in mid-air, it’s far more powerful to hold digital artifacts in the palm of your hand.
Explore digital objects with MagiMask
There are three types of tracker in the pack. The MagiDice is a large cube that can act as a body double for small digital items. By rotating the cube, you can easily explore digital items in the palm of your hand.
The MagiTile in action
The MagiKard performs a similar role, except it’s shaped like a playing card. Meanwhile, the MagiTile is designed to be laid horizontally on a flat surface to provide a stationary reference point for digital content.
As a cool addition to this interactivity, MagiMask also works with Manomotion. This technology tracks your hands when they are within view and allows you to interact with digital content using gestures.
“Conventional stereoscopic headsets use a split screen solution, meaning around 75% of the pixels are inactive or duplicate. The MagiMask’s unique optical solution enables your smartphone to use all its pixels — giving you a crystal-clear AR experience.” — MovieMask on Kickstarter
MagiMask offers HD content
This high-quality headset is a great way to start experiencing AR content. You get an unhindered view of the action, and it’s super affordable.
While you can already enjoy great content with this headset, the best might be yet to come for early adopters.
– Kickstarter: Until November 15th
– Pledge: $89 USD
– Delivery: January 2019