We tried Magic Leap One
The latest headset to blend virtual and real things is here. We’ve tried it at Magic Leap’s headquarters in Florida.
After years of acquiring and investing in TV distribution, content, and new client technologies, AT&T is ready to show the world how all their vastly expanded corporate assets come together. To do this, it recently launched Game of Thrones-themed “takeovers” (although “invasions” seems more thematically appropriate) of several of its flagship stores. Artifacts from the immensely popular HBO spectacle entering its final season include costumes and props from the series, including a replica of the series’ iconic chair primed for photo opportunities.
But the most interesting attractions from a technology perspective are a VR experience featuring an HTC Vive headset and an augmented reality experience featuring the Magic Leap One. The latter is the first consumer product from Magic Leap, in which AT&T is a major investor. When I tried both experiences earlier this month, they offered an excellent opportunity to evaluate the state of the art of VR versus AR and their suitability for entertainment experience, a technological game of thrones.
Also: Bad start for CNN app on Magic Leap One
Starting with VR, It’s worth noting that AT&T has “cheated” a bit in its Game of Thrones VR experience. To create a more convincing illusion of life within Westeros, the VR experience includes a fan that blows cold air at the wearer and a vibrating floor that responds to dramatic points in the experience. These both add tremendously to the VR simulation and would be beyond the means of a typical VR gamer.
They could be deployed in an AR experience as well, but the VR experience reflects the technology’s advantages and maturity in other ways. While both simulations include fighting with weapons, the VR experience simply does a far better job of driving an emotional reaction because of its isolation. In contrast, despite AT&T enhancing the AR demo area of the second floor of its San Francisco flagship store with Westerosian scenery and even some animatronics, the Magic Leap experience doesn;t pack nearly the same emotional punch.