AR-media turns 3D models into augmented realities
Inglobe Technologies has released versions of AR-media, its plugin for converting 3D assets into augmented reality content, for Maya and Cinema 4D. The tool is already available for 3ds Max and SketchUp.
ARmedia is intended to enable artists with little or no programming experience to create augmented reality experiences, complete with audio, chromakeyed video, and custom interactions.
When a user prints out an AR code and views it through a webcam or head-mounted display, the content is displayed directly above the code, as if it were a physical object.
The plugin enables 3D models to be displayed with real-time shadows, and in the Professional edition, to be displayed in sections via clipping planes, or organised into layers.
The content can be viewed on Windows, Mac OS X and iOS devices via a free player application.
A neat way to view your 3D models
Unless you work in product design, AR-media is likely to be a fun novelty rather than a practical tool, but at €99 (around $125) for the Professional Lite edition or €249 ($310) for the Professional edition, it won’t break the bank.
There is also a demo and a free Personal Learning Edition – which comes with a reduced feature set and uses a single preset marker – to enable you to try before you buy.
The new versions of AR-media 2.2 are compatible with Maya 2009-2013 and Cinema 4D R13.