Rating: Just point your AR app at the nearest Green Box
Showing dedication to the cause of augmented reality (AR) – above and beyond the call of duty – GoMo News bravely battled its way through the dark streets of London’s East End to reach the Dray Walk Gallery. This venue was playing host to an event sponsored by Becks – the German brewer of lager. The whole event was focussed on the integration of art with augmented reality. Judging from the feedback we had, there were some pretty high brow art discussions going on before we finally arrived. However, we can truthfully say that we saw real art in action.Before describing what happened, GoMo News really does need to provide some background. So – as a brewer, Becks has a long tradition of supporting art works.
Wine bar aficionados in particular will already be familiar with bottles of Becks sporting some truly unusual artwork in place of the normal Becks logo.
Well, the Green Box project is an extension of that support for the arts. In this particular case it will be funding hundreds of works of art around the world.
To enjoy the fruits of this sponsorship, you have to possess a suitably equipped Android or Apple iOS device. In our case we were using a Motorola Android handset – the latest Razr (XT910).
To locate the right app, it is easiest to search for Beck’s Key in the Android Market or go here. This app is built specifically for the Green Box Project and contains an AR browser.
Once inside the art gallery, GoMo News located the nearest Green Box. We then borrowed the password for the event’s Wi-fi network – which is an essential tool if you want to view the artwork via AR.
Finally, GoMo News was able to point our AR-ready handset at the Green Box and were treated to an interesting piece from Craig Thornton.
As Becks pointed out in the accompanying video – into which Tracy Emin had mysteriously found her way – is the fact that funds for the arts are generally drying up.
Peter van Overstraeten, global marketing manager with Becks, commented, “The Becks Green Box project once again demonstrates Becks’ commitment to innovation in art, fashion, music and design.
We are thrilled to be creating the world’s first augmented reality art gallery.”
Which is why the Green Box Project can only be praised. It just goes to prove that you can actually find total inspiration at the end of a green bottle.
