OVER is building the first augmented reality (AR) open metaverse and enabling users to create unique geolocalized experiences that bridge the gap between our physical and digital worlds. Utilising world-class, community-driven 3D mapping, OVER provides users and builders alike with the opportunity to own AR metaverse real estate, map their local areas, and explore Web3 like never before. Committed to cross-platform interoperability, OVER supports real-time augmented reality capabilities, AI avatar motion-captured interactions, and hyperrealistic NFT assets which, in time, will be transmissible between metaverses.
The following are interview questions and answers with Diego Di Tommaso, co-founder and COO of OVER The Reality.
What are the major differences between AR and Virtual Reality (VR) and what does AR offer today’s metaverse user?
We can think of it as steps on a staircase. Our physical world is step one, augmented reality (AR) is step two, and virtual reality (VR) is step three. To put it plainly, AR, as the middle step, blends the physical and the virtual world to create a hybrid sphere of bespoke content. AR integrates information and the physical world by projecting a 3D object on the spaces we experience in the real world. In contrast, through virtual reality, one is transported out of the physical world into a simulated experience.
The widespread adoption of AR technology is beneficial to today’s metaverse as it offers users a new and authentic way to interact, wherever they are in the world.
Can you tell me about geolocalized 3D mapping?
Geolocalized land mapping allows for precise localization of AR assets to geographic locations, creating a bridge between the physical and virtual AR metaverse. Our vision at OVER is to create this infrastructure to connect augmented reality experiences to geographic locations and therefore allow creators to actually augment the physical world. We want to encourage users to become active “geomappers” in order to help map harder-to-reach areas, including areas not featured on GPS such as indoor spaces. Put simply, geolocalized mapping will not only open up the world to users, but through community buy-in, will create the most accurate and realistic AR experience we have ever seen. The OVRLand Mapper can be used by anybody with a smartphone, whether they own the OVRLand that is mapped or not. In addition, OVRLand mappers will be able to generate an NFT every time they scan OVRLand.
What opportunities does an AR metaverse give to traditional forms of entertainment such as live events?
The potential for bringing people together with live events and the associated technology is huge. Currently, OVER can support live events with up to 200,000 concurrent participants. Thanks to live facial tracking technology, users can interact with each other with photo realistic avatars or by speech. The performers can wear a motion tracking suit, so their full body language can be streamed live, creating a realistic and interactive experience for user and performer alike. Currently such live performances with motion tracking suits are available only for custom events created in our offices, but in the next month we’re releasing a software (OverLive events console) for Windows and Mac that will allow anyone anywhere in the world to create their own event. Following the first release of the console we’ll upgrade by embedding camera-enabled motion tracking, allowing performers and users to teleport themselves in the metaverse with the full body language tracked live without the need for a motion tracking suit. This is just the beginning. It’s a really exciting time to be exploring this space.
