Report: “Singapore’s National Library Board Brings Books to Life with AR Spectacles”

From LBBOnline:

In partnership with Snap and LePub Singapore, NLB launches the world’s first Augmented Reading experience blending storytelling with immersive audio-visual effects through next-gen AR glasses

Ever imagined your favourite book characters literally leaping off the pages while you read? Singapore’s National Library Board (NLB), in partnership with technology provider Snap and agency LePub Singapore, are exploring the use of Spectacles, Augmented Reality glasses powered by Snap OS, to enable readers to be immersed in the different worlds of the story they are reading.

Chief librarian and chief innovation officer at the National Library Board, Singapore, Mr Gene Tan, said, “We are happy to partner LePub and Snap in this to explore ways to enhance the experience of stories and books for everyone. This is part of NLB’s ongoing efforts to engage with partners to experiment with new experiences that could inspire discovery and spark a renewed passion for reading and learning.”

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The Augmented Reading experience provides a complementary auditory dimension to reading, playing ambient music and sound effects in real-time. This sets the mood and immerses readers in the story. The Augmented Reading Lenses work by scanning the book while the person is reading it, and uses text recognition and machine learning to provide audio and visual effects. This includes creating soundscapes that use suspenseful music to set the scene, sound effects like doors creaking or distant chattering, plus visuals and effects that complement the storyline. The reader can also share their experience, including virtual artefacts they may pick up through the AR Spectacles.

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Prototypes of Snap Spectacles with Augmented Reading Lenses will soon be available for Singaporean residents to try out at a selected library. More details will be shared when ready. A lens prototype of Snap Spectacles featuring Augmented Reading will soon be available for the developers community in Spectacles’ Lens Explorer.

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Filed under: Digital Preservation, Libraries, National Libraries, News