A Look At MIT’s Interactive Dynamic Video Technology

It seems like the future of augmented and virtual reality is forever growing – this time with MIT’s newest interactive dynamic video technology.

MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)’s interactive dynamic video technology (or IDV) might just be the cherry on top to AR and VR.

In reverse AR/VR, IDV places real life subjects in virtual worlds and digital interfaces.

By simulating the real world, IDV puts users into another world with easy interactions. Much like Snapchat and Pokemon GO, users are able to interact with ‘non-real’ elements through cameras and motion-tracking algorithms. Business Insider explains,

“The camera records a video of the vibrating object, and then algorithms translate this clip into a dynamic image (or simulation) that users can interact with on their screens. The new simulation looks identical to the original video, except that you can now push and pull the virtualized object represented in the image by using a mouse or other input device.”

One interesting thing that BI (and many other publications) point out is the expenses involved with augmented or virtual reality. Unlike VR headgear (which can cost a pretty penny), IDV can be created by virtually any videographer with a clip of real-world footage and a bit of basic CGI, and editing, masking, matting and shading tools.

IDV also allows its users to interact with the physical world itself. Unlike other AR operating systems or games where users cannot alter real-world objects on their screen, IV gives users the options to make adjustments to both their virtual and non-virtual reality.

IDV also blurs the lines between live-action and AR. In it, the elements interact with and are affected by each other. For example, in Pokemon GO, characters are superimposed on top of reality but do not affect it. If a Psyduck is rustling through leaves to avoid being caught by your Pokeball, its presence has no actual effect on the very real leaves around it. In IDV, however, users can play with and adjust their reality through their screen. Check out this awesome video:

 

Here at Key West Video, we’re fans of the latest trends technologies in video, AR, and VR, and pride ourselves on being loyal Pokemon Go fans. For more information on our services, visit our website today!

Like this post? Comment or Share Below!

The post A Look At MIT’s Interactive Dynamic Video Technology appeared first on Corporate Video Blog.

Trading Faces: Video Changes in Real Time

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could live out your impressionist dreams? This new technology allows you to do just that by altering your appearance in real-time.

CBS recently covered a story revealing a new video technology that is able to manipulate YouTube videos in real time. Researchers at Stanford University were able to work with a webcam to take three-dimensional scans of a person’s facial expressions. From former President George W. Bush to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, this computer software (along a camera) then animates it on to another person’s face and is able to virtually recreate these expressions.

The idea of manipulating facial expressions isn’t a phenomenon we haven’t seen before. Even Yoplait did it in  their 2008 ‘Yop’ commercial:

What stands out about this technology is how closely it is able to manipulate our visual experience. Anchor Anthony Mason warns that in an increasingly rapid Internet era, not everything on the Internet is as real as it seems.

Another thing worth noting is that this video manipulation is done in real time. While a lot of video augments occur after the fact (e.g. in post-production), this technology allows “face actors” to make the swap while we watch.

Now, with the rise of fast-growing social media apps and new tech features, we’re seeing trickles of “augmented reality” more than ever. Apple’s Photo-booth feature on MacBook Pro has allowed us to augment our facial expressions for some time now. Even Snapchat’s latest upgrade has introduced filters allowing us to alter our video snaps.

Here at Key West Video, we specialize in providing the best in video production services. While we’re not quite sure what this new software will mean for the state of augmented reality in real time, rest assured we are equipped to accommodate videography changes in the industry.

The post Trading Faces: Video Changes in Real Time appeared first on Corporate Video Blog.

How Apps Can Improve Your Corporate Marketing

Keeping up with #marketing #trends means staying on top of technological change. #Companies like #Facebook took advantage of the potential #marketing audience by creating apps to market to a targeted audience.

There are a few things to consider when mapping out elements for mobile #apps. And while most companies are competitively scurrying to create the next usable #app, it’s important to first take a step back and realize why you’re doing it.

First and foremost, what will it be used for: #promotion or #profit? Despite what many might think, there is a marginal difference in the app world, though they are interlinked.

Many companies seek to promote services through app #marketing. Consequentially, there are many components involved with app-making.

You should consider which #smartphone your #application would be best used on. Typically, #Apple users have a tendency to be more loyal to their #brand. The Apple Store also happens to generate 70% more in revenue than Google Play.

However, Android by far takes the lead in market share. Ultimately, it boils down to what your goals are with your app #development and what you and your #developers consider a success.

Creating a visually appealing #product with an attention-grabbing #design will undoubtedly increase the number of #downloads. You should assume that your app will be visible to your customers at all times. It will also serve as a direct marketing channel to your targeted audience. And that’s the goal, isn’t it?

It also solidifies your brand in the minds of its users. There are reasons why brands such as Facebook, #Twitter, #Instagram and #Snapchat are so recognizable to the point where a simple #badge will suffice; they are relevant to their #content users, easy to access, and by that accord, they are literally everywhere.

Apps also legitimize your #social #media presence. Not that a solid number of Facebook page likes or a “checked” Twitter account don’t validate your company, but an app is the final cherry on top when it comes to forward-thinking #marketing. It also shows you’re serious about staying up-to-date with your target market.

Recently, we were able to shoot footage for a new #music #app called Tuurnt.

We at Key West Video specialize in video production, which includes video for #mobile applications. Contact us for quote today!

Like this post? Comment or Share below!

The post How Apps Can Improve Your Corporate Marketing appeared first on Corporate Video Blog.

Interactive Video: Corporate Video Rebirth

The Changing Landscape of Corporate Video in the Interactive Video Age

With every day that passes it seems like there is a new technological or social innovation coming out of the woodwork. Due to modern advancements in technology, the rapid growth of inventions is exponential. Therefore, the cool or exciting new ‘thing’ is in constant flux.

This current landscape has created a world where it seems as though there is no option to be stationary. As media, marketing, or advertising specialists, we must continually look for the next best way to get out our messages to the public.

Corporate Video’s Digital Consumer

In the corporate video sphere there has been a definite move over the last ten years to create videos that really target the digital consumer. Someone who has limited attention span, has video content at their constant disposal, and needs to be instantly and continually engaged. That is why videos in all forms have been structured in a way that makes them concise, to the point, and either visually stunning or provides content that viewers can’t turn away from.

Interactive Video

But where do we go from here? What is going to be the next big thing? There are a variety of answers to that questions depending on who you ask. One of the major trends that is becoming more popular is the idea of interactive video. Interactivity is something that broadcast programs such as American Idol have known is important for some time now. Which is why they try to get their audiences to stay engaged in their programming by allowing them to be a part of the shows development. Big Brother followed suit, and as well created a program where the viewer can manipulate certain elements of the show.

In terms of corporate video, how and why would this interactive element be useful? They why is simple. Because as a society our world has become a place where we can find the answer to any question we have with the click of a button. We have developed this idea that anything we want we should have access to. So the idea of being able to provide video audiences with the ability to interact with what they see in front of them is ideal.

As media producers we can actively presume what our audiences will want at the end or throughout each video they watch. If it is a company profile video they want a link to the company’s website. If it is a training video they want to go to the next module, or repeat the last video, or click for additional resources. For a product video viewers want to know where they can find that product at a store near them, or where to purchase it online, or find reviews from other consumers. You can even create videos with alternate endings depending on the path that viewers choose. The possibilities are endless.

Interactive video is being used more and more in the corporate side of video production. Although the cost to make a video interactive will raise the costs of  production, it is an investment that is aiding viewer engagement and thus increasing awareness and in turn sales. So the costs are worth the rewards.

Contact Keywest Video today if you are interested in learning more about interactive video for your corporate video project.

Interactive Video: Corporate Video Rebirth