The cover story of this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated that features an inspirational climb of Mount Everest is able to come to life thanks to augmented reality.
The first augmented reality Sports Illustrated issue enables readers to scan select images and pages in the magazine with their mobile devices using the AR camera in the LIFE VR app to activate multimedia content.
So with amputee Jeff Glasbrenner on the cover as he climbs Everest, there is accompanying 360-degree video that can be unlocked. With a story on new Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky is video of a film session with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft. Even the advertising from Coors Light on the front cover flap can activate AR content.
Get The Latest Sports Tech News In Your Inbox!
The augmented reality is powered by technology partner RYOT Lab, whose CEO, Bryn Mooser, noted to Variety, “This is not putting our work in a Hololens, but in people’s phone.”
The story on Everest came as part of a four-episode virtual reality production that documented the climb up to the summit. Capturing Everest was shot over a two-month span last spring, as the team of climbers employed 360-degree video capture methods while enduring the harsh conditions. Specialized cameras rigged to zip lines and body harnesses offer first-person views of Everest from the climbers. Endemol Shine Beyond USA co-produced the series.
Ever wonder what it’s like to climb Everest? Experience the summit in SI’s first augmented-reality issue: https://t.co/DKjCsm9JzR pic.twitter.com/ETGiQloIxa
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 4, 2017