augmented reality Archive

Many blogs and news outlets, including ReadWriteWeb, have covered the “augmented reality” market. A new augmented reality application launched last week that targets kids. New York-based DoCrew describes their service as, “ is an online cartoon and gaming site that uses your computer’s webcam to place children inside of a virtual world. Kids interact directly with the games and activities using the motion of their whole bodies.” The site is targeted towards kids from ages 4-8.

DoCrew notes that they help kids be active by allowing them to fully engage with the games rather than sitting on a couch playing Xbox or with a portable gaming console. Interestingly the entire site is in Flash, not just the actual games — probably a mistake for SEO purposes. All that’s needed to use DoCrew is a webcam. There is some simple setup – basically the kid needs to be at the right distance from the webcam to make sure that the motions and movements are accurately represented in the game.

It sure is amazing what kids have to play with today – a far cry from my Fisher-Price cash register and shopping cart. Visit the DoCrew website to checkout their demo videos.

I could see a great partnership between DoCrew and another NY-based kids software provider, Kidos (our coverage).

DoCrew is based in Brooklyn. The service is currently free but it does appear that they plan to charge a monthly fee in the future.