#Japan #Apple Vision Pro #Shinjuku #Servithink #Sphira Track

Introduction

Servithink, a prominent web design firm based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has announced the release of two innovative applications developed in collaboration with OnePlanet. These apps are designed specifically for Apple’s spatial computing device, the Apple Vision Pro. The main objective is to revolutionize web experiences by integrating them into a spatial environment, thus enhancing the way users interact with digital content.

Overview of Apps

The two applications are as follows:
1. Item Recognition Manual
This app displays manuals spatially for recognized objects, creating a seamless connection between physical products and their online information, such as user guides or product details.
2. Sphira Track
A user-tracking browser capable of moving alongside the user, redefining how one experiences web browsing in AR space.

These applications allow data that was previously confined to smartphone screens to be viewed in a more immersive three-dimensional space, greatly improving the information-seeking experience.

Item Recognition Manual

The first application, the Item Recognition Manual, operates by identifying real-world objects within the user’s line of sight. When an item is recognized, it links directly to relevant online content, eliminating the need for physical manuals, which often clutter our homes. This functionality is particularly significant for the real estate and housing sectors, where it can reduce the reliance on extensive paper documentation for user guides, allowing users to access necessary information instantaneously just by looking at their devices or appliances. The potential for the application to be utilized in model home demonstrations is also a key feature, promising to bridge the gap between the digital and physical real estate experiences.

Sphira Track - User Tracking Browser

The second application, Sphira Track, reimagines web browsing by ensuring the browser follows the user's movements. In traditional XR interfaces, browsers are often confined to a specific area, akin to having a static television in a room. Servithink sees augmented reality (AR) as the next evolution beyond smartphones. With Sphira Track, users can move freely about their environment while the browser dynamically adjusts its position, allowing for continuous access to web resources. This approach creates enhanced conveniences, such as keeping transportation guides or chat interfaces visible while navigating through spaces. It stands as a major leap in realizing the full potential of augmented reality browsing.

Background of Web × XR R&D Initiative

Servithink launched a research and development (R&D) initiative focused on the integration of web experiences within XR environments, following a significant blog post predicting the decline of smartphone usage and the rise of new digital experiences. By 2024, this R&D branch aims to explore what web experiences will look like as XR devices, notably smart glasses, become more ubiquitous. This transition is pivotal, as web interaction shifts from traditional displays to immersive environments where the web can be brought into the user’s immediate surroundings.

Purpose of Development

The goal of developing these applications is not merely to create usable apps, but to substantiate the real value and purpose of accessing web content in XR spaces. This involves questioning how current web design principles should adapt to accommodate a 3D environment, potentially changing the infrastructure and layout of websites.

Global Launch of Sphira Track

The Sphira Track has been made available globally on the App Store, marking a significant step in ensuring that the XR functionality is accessible to users everywhere. Through its innovative and intuitive interface, the app offers users unprecedented freedom in how they interact with web content while on the move, and allows information to be displayed and carried spatially.

Rationale for Choosing Apple Vision Pro

Servithink has previously experimented with various AR devices but found that they did not fully meet their expectations for designing future XR experiences. Therefore, the decision to utilize the Apple Vision Pro, known for its high-quality immersive capabilities, reflects their commitment to establishing a standard for upcoming smart glasses. They see the Vision Pro as a testbed for developing a richer web experience that will be pivotal for future applications integrating AR.

Future Prospects

Through these applications, Servithink is paving the way for a new era in web experiences in the XR age. Committed to their philosophy of